Persian Heritage
Persian Heritage Vol. 23, No. 89 Spring 2018 www.persian-heritage.com Persian Heritage, Inc. FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK 6 110 Passaic Avenue LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 8 Passaic, NJ 07055 E-mail: [email protected] NEWS Telephone: (973) 471-4283 Nezhat Amiri Smashes Iranian Taboos 9 Fax: 973 471 8534 The First Iranian Woman Director Oscar Nominee 10 EDITOR COMMENTARY SHAHROKH AHKAMI Shah’s Illusions and Spiritual Beliefs 13 EDITORIAL BOARD Dr. Mehdi Abusaidi, Shirin Ahkami (Reza Vaghefi) Raiszadeh, Dr. Mahvash Alavi Naini, Mohammad Bagher Alavi, Dr. Talat THE ARTS & CULTURE Bassari, Mohammad H. Hakami, Ardeshir Lotfalian, K. B. Navi, Dr. REVIEWS 15 Kamshad Raiszadeh, Farhang A. Sadeghpour, Mohammad K. Sadigh, Ties of Brotherhood (Rakeh Chaubey) 17 M. A. Dowlatshahi. Cyrus’ Influence on Thomas Jefferson 18 MANAGING EDITOR (Pouya Zarei) HALLEH NIA
ADVERTISING Rare Iranian Manuscript Registered in UNESCO 19 HALLEH NIA A Talk with Roxana (Lindsay Smoot) 20 * The contents of the articles and adver Omar Khayyam Rubaiyat (Joobin Bekhrad) 22 tisements in this journal, with the exception of the editorial, are the sole works of each A Short History of the Iranian Breads 24 individual writers and contributors. This maga zine does not have any confirmed knowledge I Am American 26 as to the truth and veracity of these articles. all contributors agree to hold harmless and indemnify Persian Heritage (Mirass-e Iran), In Memory of Dr. M. Amir-Mokri 29 Persian Heritage Inc., its editors, staff, board of directors, and all those indi viduals directly Passing of Jahangir Amouzegar 30 associated with the publishing of this maga zine. The opinions expressed in these articles A Tribute to the Memory of All Loved Ones 30 are the sole opinions of the writers and not the journal. No article or picture submitted will be An Interview with Ferris Rezvani 31 returned to the writer or contributor. All articles submitted in English must be typed. (Persian Heritage) * The appearance of advertising in this maga zine does not constitute a guaran tee or en dorsement of the products by Persian Heritage . In addition, articles and letters published do not reflect the views of this publication. Important Notice * Letters to the Editor should be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to the above addresses and numbers. All written submissions to The journal reserves the right to edit same for space and clarity or as deemed appropriate. Persian Heritage with the ex Special * All requests for permissions and reprints must pectation of publication in the be made in writing to the managing editor. magazine must include the announcement: PUBLISHED BY PERSIAN HERITAGE, INC. writer’s name, address and tele Contact our A corporation organized for cultural and phone number. When an article literary purposes is submitted we assume the au California based Advertising Cover Price: $6.00 Subscriptions: $24.00/year (domestic); thor has complete ownership of Agent for your ads. $30.00 & 50.00/year (International) the article and the right to grant Typesetting & Layout permission for publication. (973) 471-4283 TALIEH PUBLICATIONS
Spring 2018 5 FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
With the coming Persian New Year, Norooz, and the arrival of cal utility boxes at city squares. They removed their white heads- Spring with its rebirth of beautiful nature and new beginnings, we carves and held them in their hands, waiving them, demanding an celebrate the 23rd year of Persian Heritage’s publication. Proudly elimination of the law imposing the hijab. They stood in public we can say this has been without any interruption. As always, this and demanded equality for women in all aspects and did so in the is a special time for all of us at Persian Heritage, when I get to name of peace. This movement had a startling effect on the world. wish our dearest readers, in Iran and the Diaspora a very happy It exposed a side of Iranian women never been seen before. In the and healthy new year, one I hope will be filled with equality and last 37-38 years Iranian women have struggled for their rights from liberty for Iran and its citizens. forced covering by the hijab, to rightful professions and employ- Last year, like the past 37-38 years, was another difficult one ment. These women exemplify most of University students in for the Iranian people. External forces and pressures, especially Iran. These women are responsible for raising children through from the United States, made attempts to cripple the regime in Iran, many hardships and introducing successful and brave young men which led to more difficulty for the people. Economic burdens and women into society. This time, single handedly by taking off continue to weigh on the general population. Factories and manu- their headscarves in public venues throughout Iran, they showed facturers went out of business and their innocent workers lost their the world they are no longer willing to be victims of oppression. livelihoods. These innocent victims went months without pay. The They are determined to stand strong against the reign of dictators, hardships they felt and struggled with exploded into demonstra- standing up for their rights despite the possible consequences by tions on the streets of cities throughout Iran. The demonstrations, the government: arrest, prison and torture. The world watched engineered by two powerful Ayatollahs, started in Mashad. The as a basiji (government police) pushed a woman off the utility protest, however, as engineered and expected to proceed, grew in pedestal onto the ground. She fell face down. This image made demands. The people demanded the end to the present regime, its way around the world through news and social media. This demanded a separation of church and state, demanded an end unimaginable savagery by a regime will stay forever in the hearts to corruption, demanded an end to the draining of the national and minds of the people. treasury, demanded equality for men and women and demanded This past year life became more and more difficult for the freedom of speech. The demonstrations began to spread to cities average person in Iran, weakening their hope for a better tomor- throughout the country. With the regime losing control of their row. Iranians will again have to reach deep inside for additional orchestrated protest the demonstrators were confronted by harsh strength to brave the days ahead. The earthquake in Kermanshah is retaliations by the authorities. Unfortunately, the regime’s armed a reminder of how the regime’s incompetence became more visible military forces continue to outpower the demonstrators and hence in the eye of the citizens. A country with extraordinary resources the anticipated gains by the Iranian people were not as desired. and wealth, uses its finances to export weaponry and military The slogans, however, used by the demonstrators, were heard support to its neighbors, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and pours by the Diaspora and the demonstrators gained outside support in millions into Venezuela and Africa to build hospitals and schools the United States and Western European countries. Groups took for the people of these states, and leaves its own earthquake victims to the streets to demonstrate. In the United States some groups without shelter, medical and living supplies after all these months. came with their own agendas causing a division in the Diaspora. It is shameful to see such atrocities committed by a government The result was clear, outside support did not have much positive against its own people. How can this government look at their affect on the demonstrations inside Iran. Even more importantly, citizens living in tents with their bodies covered by cold sores and the division of the Diaspora clearly showed that changes in Iran frostbite? They have lost their basic living needs. It is shameful to will not come from those outsides of Iran. Change will come from see these conditions in a country so filled with wealth, a wealth used Iranians living in Iran. They are the ones who are brave and suffer for its own agenda rather than for the betterment and survival of its daily from the hardships imposed on them. They are the ones who citizens. Hospitals and schools are still not restored. This regime’s will bring about a permanent CHANGE. They will bring about lack of meaningful political dialogue diminished necessary aid CHANGE, a CHANGE that may be slow to evolve, but one that from foreign countries to Iranian earthquake victims. It is not hard will bring reforms that give equality to men and women, fairly to understand that because of the rhetoric, Iran and Iranians have deal with the corruption among the elite, stop the draining of the earned the worst reputation in the world. How ironic is it that Iran, national treasury, see a separation of church and state, allow for one of the largest powers in the region, one of the greatest empires political choice and allow freedom of speech. that ruled over 3900 BC, the oldest civilization, has become one of One must applaud the bravery of young and older women in the most defamed countries in the world. A country that took pride Iran’s women’s movement. These brave women stood on electri- in its human rights position under Cyrus the Great and a country
6 No. 89 F R O M T H E E D I T O R ’ S D E S K where the lyrics of the famous poet Saadi stands above the door of Seyed Emami an Iranian Canadian and well respected professor, the United Nations (all humans are interconnected as one body), environmentalist and scientist reminded me of the suicide of Saied because of its political incompetency has been reduced to a rogue Emami, known as an exterminator of human beings, who died some and terrorist nation. time ago. This is the new strategy of silencing unwanted voices. It is a sad day when the bodies of young and old scholars I live with hope in my heart that by next year I will be able are buried under the snowy hills of the mountains. Their lifeless to write my editorial in Persian Heritage and it will be filled with bodies are unable to be found and delivered back to their loved good and joyful news and that pride will be returned to Iran and ones for proper burial because of a plane crash; a plane that should Iranians. I hope that I will be writing about an Iran, that will em- have been grounded due to outdated parts unable to be purchased brace the current Diaspora. I hope I will be writing about an Iran because of sanctions placed by the US and its Western European who welcomes its Diaspora back to Iran to take part in bringing allies. How is it that Dubai and Qatar get to have the most modern Iran back to its days of greatness. I hope I will be writing to you planes made available to them and have interests in the airline about an Iran who will be able to retain its highly educated citizens industry, while Iranians and visitors to Iran must board old and in all fields of medicine, industry, technology, science, research, outdated planes, placing the lives of its crew and passengers in education and the arts, rather than an Iran who currently is wit- danger, on a daily basis? Why isn’t human life more important than nessing a “brain drain” to the West. And, I hope that I will writing politics? This was not an isolated incident, EVERYDAY we hear about an Iran and citizens, who while never losing their PRIDE news of these incidents. EVERYDAY we learn of the demonstra- and LOVE for their country, history and culture, will now be open tors, asking only for their basic human rights, be silenced by the to show and help the world to rediscover their Iran and its people, authorities. EVERYDAY we learn of women, asking only to be as it was when it first laid its imprint on the world. treated as equals, be pushed around and thrown into the prisons Once again, as we celebrate Norooz, I wish our dearest readers of Evin and others. EVERYDAY we learn about the Dervishes and the world a peaceful, prosperous and kinder new year. (Sufis) who are being brutalized by the authorities because their fellow members are silenced by the authorities. EVERYDAY we learn about the imprisonment of environmental scientists. EVERY- DAY we learn about of the murders of famed scientists and others dead by alleged suicide. The alleged suicide of Professor Kavous
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Spring 2018 7 L E T T E R S T O E D I T O R A GREAT SELECTION LONG LIFE Dear Editor: Dear Editor: As usual receiving and reading your Doroood. May you live a long and journal gave me a long-lasting boost and healthy life and continue to keep our Per- pleasure. You lead the way to secure in sian Heritage ALIVE. protecting Iranian traditions, that are often J. Sedaghatfar forgotten. The variety of the articles pub- lished , interest and attract multi-cultural ALWAYS THANKFUL readers. You must be commended for these Dear Editor: endeavors. Thank you so much for the online Another issue that deserves mention- copy of the magazine. I enjoyed reading ing is your allocation of three different several interesting articles, especially articles, one in English and two in Persian your interview with Dr. Guilak and his for one of the single most respected writers wife, Dr. Nahid Towfigh. I know them Dr. H. Guilak. One discussed his associa- very well from the time that my husband, tion with the late Mr. Hoveida, one was his Dr. Shoja Sheikholeslamzadeh worked at biography and one on his political views the Namazee Hospital— extremely nice in the article “United States, Israel, Iran.” couple. Unfortunately, we have lost touch This article signifies his overall deep for many years. understanding about politics playing out With best wishes for a very delightful in the Middle East. He appears to be well holiday season. aware of the longstanding animosity be- Azar Aryanpour tween the Arabs and Israel, which recently is being reignited by Saudi Arabia and GREAT INTERVIEW. other countries (those willing to keep the Dear Editor: animosity to fulfill their exploitation of Thanks for Mirass Iran. I know well other regional countries.) I do not under- Drs. Guilak and Nahid. Dr. Nahid Toufigh stand why Iran is taking religious sides is one of my close relatives. Her father is with the Palestinians, while the Palestin- the brother of my aunt’s husband Azizio- ians are or will be compromising with the llah Toufigh Israelis sooner or later. I have met them both a couple of Saudi Arabia’s animosity towards times here in the States at conferences. Iran is not new. Their political interest in They are wonderful and great people. I the region and religious beliefs remain a read the article of the story of the Uni- constant. They never, ever will dare to go versity of Kerman and cried. I lived in into a real war , it will just be with words. Kerman for eight years from age 5 to 13. Saudi Arabia does not have enough of The article was very inspiring and heart its own technical resources and relies on warming. foreign support and mercenaries. Iran does Thank you. not intend to get into an actual conflict but Saradj continues to solidify their existence by contracting or counteracting Saudi Ara- USE A LARGER FONT bia’s rhetoric. Thank you Dear Dr. Ahkami for pub- The population of Israel, as a whole, lishing one of the best magazines for us and Iranian Israelis Jews love their na- Iranians and non-Iranians. tive country, Iran, as they exhibited their I have a suggestion for type of print- desires in multiple roles held in Israel. But ing the magazine and I hope you would when it comes to terms of religion and TAKE ACTION ON IT. Israel identity, they remain silent, which I wish you would use a larger font is understandable. for printing the articles. At times I cannot Once again, I sincerely commend Dr. even read the prints with my binoculars. Guilak views and understand the intensity We are getting old, however we are stuck. of the political conflict in the Middle East. Be Merry anyway! Respectfully Thank you again! Dr. Bijan Nikakhtar Parviz Koupai
A d v e r t i s e H e r e: (973) 471-4283 www.persian-heritage.com
8 No. 89 N E W S The Conductor Smashing Iranian Taboos Over Women, and Music Saeed Kamali Dehghan, The Guardian In her 38-year career, which is as long as the history of the Islamic republic, Iran’s first and only female conductor had led as many public performances as the number of fingers that hold her baton. Last month, however, Nezhat Amiri conducted a 71-mem- ber orchestra performing at Tehran’s most prestigious concert hall – a remarkable milestone in a country where it is consid- ered taboo for state TV to show musical instruments, women are not allowed to sing solo and female musicians have been musician in Iran, but she said problems within the arts were prevented from going on stage in provincial cities. more wide ranging. “Music in my country is like a child “From the beginning, I’ve swum against the current – I without parents, like an orphan,” she said. wasn’t seen, the society didn’t make any effort to nurture my After the Islamic revolution, Iran started a crackdown skills and the ruling establishment turned its back on me,” on music – initially even banning uncontroversial traditional Amiri, 57, told the Guardian. “But I’m still doing it, I’m show- Persian music. Restrictions have since loosened, with pop and ing that there are ways, and there will always be.” even rap and rock becoming popular. But the laws and codes Amiri’s performance, part of the annual state Fajr music governing the arts are ambiguous and, at times, arbitrary. festival, brought 55 musicians and a 16-member choir – with Female musicians, in particular, face bigger and more fun- women making up almost half of both groups – on stage for damental problems. One recent image, shared widely online, two hours, to play three pieces by masters of Persian classical shows a female musician who was blocked from appearing music, including a work by the legendary composer Morteza on stage in a provincial city peeking through the curtains, Hannaneh, for the first time. watching her male bandmates playing. The Naghmeh-Baran (the melody of rain) ensemble had “After 38 years, the authorities need to come forward been practising for six months. All of them, including Amiri, and make clear if music is haram [forbidden by Islamic law] worked for free. It was Amiri’s first performance on such a or halal,” said Amiri. “They should say whether women can large scale in 12 years, and took place at Vahdat auditorium, perform on stage or not. We have one system, one country, how which was one of the world’s best-equipped modern opera come in one city [Tehran] you can, in the others you can’t?” houses at the time of its inauguration, prior to the 1979 Islamic Under the current moderate administration of President revolution. Even then, when Tehran hosted many music and Hassan Rouhani, the Tehran Symphony Orchestra – previously dance performances, no Iranian female conductor appeared on disbanded – has been revived. Amiri said pressure under his the Vahdat stage. Amiri’s most recent performance received predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, was huge, but it also unprecedented attention inside Iran. The reformist Ghanoon meant many turned to music to remain hopeful or as an ex- daily published an interview with her image on its front page pression of their resistance. alongside a headline quote: “I don’t even earn as much as a “You face so many challenges when you’re a musician construction worker.” [in Iran],” Amiri said. “In our country, music is an art that, Press TV, Iran’s state English-language network broad- according to religious edicts, should not be given space, or casting for a foreign audience, featured her performance. But priority … We have lost generations of musicians, theoreti- restrictions still remain on domestic TV. One band, Pallet, cians, music historians – some people in this country have once mimed their performance without their instruments, in given their lives for music.” a subtle protest that circumvented the censors. Yet, the incremental changes that have taken place under Amiri, who has a master’s degree in music composition Rouhani have disappointed many. “I’ve seen many ups and from Tehran Arts University and studied under the acclaimed downs, we’re in downhill now … now it’s the era of losing musician Parviz Mansouri, said although she had celebrated hope after becoming hopeful,” said Amiri. the importance of her performance, she could not remain silent Despite the challenges, Amiri says she wants to be “a about the challenges she had faced in the years leading up to it. symbol of hope”. “You live because you have hope. Some- “There’s a fatigue. How many times can you continue times you know you’ll be defeated, but you make the effort knocking on a closed door?” she asked. “How many years anyway. You know you have to try. My head was broken, can you remain silent and not talk about your sorrow? When but I wrapped it and stood up again, for a hundred times.” sorrow becomes public, it needs a public remedy, too.” Under the current moderate administration of President Has- Prominent female conductors fight for recognition across san Rouhani, the Tehran Symphony Orchestra – previously the world; the recent appointment of Marin Alsop as the first disbanded – has been revived. Amiri said pressure under his woman to become artistic director of the Vienna Radio Sym- predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, was huge, but it also phony Orchestra made international headlines. meant many turned to music to remain hopeful or as an ex- Amiri acknowledged the difficulties of being a female pression of their resistance.
Spring 2018 9 N E W S Sharif University’s The First Iranian Woman Director Oscar-Nominee Mannequin Robot By Parisa Hafezi, Reuters, 30 October 2017 Among Top Eight
Iran’s first Oscar-nominated female director has challenged President Donald Trump to watch her film to see if its portrayal of ordinary Iranians’ experience of war and revolution will change his views of her country. The U.S. president has called Iran a “terrorist nation” for involvement in conflicts in the Middle East, and derided an international deal that scrapped sanctions on Iran in return for curbs on what many in the West believe was a nuclear weapons pro- gram. Narges Abyar’s Farsi-language film “Nafas” (Breath) follows a young girl, Bahar, living through the changes that follow Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution and the start of the Iran-Iraq War in 1980 with her impoverished family. Her greatest fear is losing the chronically asthmatic father who is bringing her and her three brothers and sisters up on his own, and she spends much of her time making sure that he is still breathing. Bahar’s devout grandmother, far from being kindly, punishes her for refusing to go to Koran school. The film and Abyar’s Oscar nomination have angered hardline conservatives in Iran’s establishment, who call the Iran-Iraq war the “Sacred Defense” and consider the movie anti-Islamic. The mannequin robot of Sharif Uni- “Three thousand (Iranian) children were killed during the war. Why should I versity of Technology ranked among the not show all these?” Abyar told Reuters in an interview. “This film promotes peace.” top eight in ICSR 2017 Robot Design She said it could also “help American society ... to understand that Iranians Competition, Japan. Director of the Cen- are not terrorists, as claimed by some politicians. Trump is using the language of ter of Excellence in Design, Robotics, and threat against Iran ... what will he think if he watches Nafas? Will he continue to Automation of Sharif University of Tech- threaten Iran?” nology Ali Meghdari said “22 countries The film’s anti-war message runs alongside an exploration of what it means attended the 9th International Conference to be a woman in Iran, where Abyar lives and works. on Social Robotics which was held last “I chose Bahar because ... I wanted the world to understand all the limitations week in Tsukuba, Japan. ROMA robot an Iranian girl faces ... Bahar was even banned from playing with her male cousin mannequin of Sharif University of tech- at a certain age ... At one point, Bahar says: ‘I wish I were a boy’,” Abyar said. nology ranked among the top eight robot “Outsiders may think it is the influence of the establishment or the religion, designs and received memorial award.” but it is not. It is the culture ... and even many women in Iran believe that men are ROMA is the first Iranian manne- more capable than women, and women should have fewer rights than men.” quin robot which has been designed and To follow in the footsteps of her male compatriot Asghar Farhadi, winner of the produced by the students and professors Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film category in 2012 and 2016, would for Abyar at Sharif University of Technology,” he be a recognition of her struggle against sexism in her industry and wider society. added. Director of the Center of Excel- “In Iran, like many other countries, women are disdained, considered second- lence in Design, Robotics, and Automa- class citizens ... As a woman, if you want to produce new ideas and be successful, tion of Sharif University of Technology you have to fight.” asserted “attractive and unique design, Iran’s women are among the most highly educated in the Middle East and allowed to do most jobs, glass ceilings permitting. But under its Islamic legal system, they have kinetic abilities, humanoid joints in neck, fewer rights than men in areas including inheritance, divorce and child custody, and shoulders and the elbows, 360 degrees are subject to travel and dress restrictions. Abyar said she had hoped for more from rotation of the torso and movement con- the pragmatist president, Hassan Rouhani, who trolling and programing through Android owed his 2013 and 2017 election victories in great Apps are some of the features of this ro- part to women voters encouraged by his promises bot.” “ROMA mannequin robot can also of social and cultural liberalization. be programmed to carry out different ki- “Women’s situation has improved a bit in netic scenarios consecutively, has access Iran,” she said. “But I was expecting improvement to artificial intelligence and can identify in more areas.” customers, move toward them and play Abyar encountered less pressure than expected an audio message (welcoming the cus- from the authorities to censor parts of her film, but tomer and introducing the clothing item added: “I cannot say that the government defended to them),” he added. me when the film was criticized by hardliners.” Tehran Times
10 No. 89 N E W S
OMID NOOSHIN, In the Memory of UK director of ‘Last Passenger’, Dies Pouran D. Aleali Nooshin was best known for making 2013 thriller Last Passen- 1943 - 2017 ger, starring Dougray Scott, Iddo Pouran D. Aleali, age 74, Goldberg, Kara Tointon, Lindsay died on November 26, 2017. Duncan and David Schofield. The Pouran was born in Tehran. film, which sold well for Pathe In- Iran to the late Parviz Vakili- ternational, earned Nooshin a Bifa Taleghani and Aghamar Vaki- nomination for best debut director. li-Taleghani. Nooshin more recently co- Pouran attended the Uni- scripted 2017 action-sci-fi Kill versity in Iran where she was trained to be a nurse. Upon Switch, starring Dan Stevens and immigrating to the United Berenice Marlohe. The film was States in the early l970’s sold by Film Nation Entertainment with buyers including US outfit she subsequently went back Saban Film. The UK writer-director had been in development on his to school and received her second directorial feature Invade, a US horror film being produced Master’ s Degree in Geriatric Psychology. She married her by Silver Linings Playbook and Chocolat executive producer Michelle husband, Dr. Seyed Hossain Aleali, 51 years ago. Their Raimo. He was also attached as associate producer to previously an- marriage was a partnership and they navigated the difficulty of immigrating to the United States from Iran 50 years ago nounced sci-fi Inversion. Two-time Oscar-nominee Joe Walker, editor together, while leaving all of their family and friends behind. of Blade Runner 2049 and Arrival, worked with Nooshin on Last In addition to raising her daughters, Marjan Aleali and Passenger. He said: ”I joined Omid as film editor of Last Passenger Roxana Aleali, Pouran became a surrogate mother to Lily in the final stages of a mountain already climbed. The emaciated Khodadoost-Kamvar, who became a third daughter. After finances scrambled for this ambitious thriller would barely dent the a few years of practicing psychology, Pouran worked as a craft services budget on a routine movie, but in Omid’s phenomenally practice secretary and office assistant for her husband for inventive hands, that’s something the audience would never spot. I over a decade. Family and friends were Pouran’s passion and delight. was lucky to share those euphoric upper slopes with Omid and look She always welcomed people into her home and her heart. out to a landscape of peaks, all his to conquer. Pouran loved to entertain, and threw parties often. She loved ”Omid was a kind, ridiculously talented man. I was so happy he’d to cook Persian food, and always ensured there was a lavish found tremendous love with Lucy and then to see the unadulterated spread of food from her homeland for all to enjoy. Pouran joy that shone with the arrival of their daughter, Ava. I felt certain was quite fond of dancing, and would be one of the first one day Omid would look back on a long body of work - he’d worked people on the dance floor at any gathering. so bloody hard to get it started. It’s tough to process such a loss, to Pouran is survived by her husband and daughters; her sons-in law, Morad Kamvar, Derek Karim and Kevin his family, his friends, but also to the audiences who deserved to Holtzman, her three grandchildren, Arianna Kamvar , Alys celebrate his name.” sa, and Kamran Holtzman; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Last Passenger producers Ado Yoshizaki Cassuto and Zack Win- Azar and Parviz Dadyar and their children Labkhand, field told Screen: “Omid cared deeply about everything he did. From his and her spouse Tim Quinn and Pani and her spouse Nima work to his family, he was full of passion and had dreams of creating Noroozi, Nassrin and Bijan Vak:ili, and their children Gol- something wonderful and had the drive and talent to make it happen. naz, and her spouse Mehdi Shabestary, and Kayvan and ”From the first time we met it was clear that he was out-of-the- her sister Iran Vikili-Taleghani; her two brothers, Mansoor Vakili-Taleghani and his wife Nassrin and Nasser Vakili- ordinary. He could describe practically every frame of a movie he’s Taleghani; her sister-in-law, Vahideh Vakili Taleghani; her barely finished writing, and it was his determination and brilliance at dearest friends, Farah and Houtan Aghili and numerous convincing people to back him that got Last Passenger over the line. other relatives and close friends. She was predeceased by He was fiercely loyal to the people he worked with, and the messages her brother, Mohsen Vakili-Taleghani. we’ve received from people who were part of the Last Passenger journey are testament to the impact Omid and his film had on so many people’s lives. ”It’s impossible to believe he’s no longer with us. What a terrible Subscribe Today! loss from someone with so much more to give.” Nooshin, who was born in Guildford, Surrey, died last Monday, Persian Heritage January 15, 2018. He is survived by wife Lucy and daughter Ava. (973) 471-4283
Spring 2018 11 N E W S Feathers of Fire: A Persian Epic outside the region are aware of. One such example, the Persian epic, Shahnameh, is one of the most important literary works of Directed by Hamid Rahmanian Iran, written over 1,000 years ago by the poet Ferdowsi. Our goal is to present a more holistic view of Middle Eastern cultures, particularly that of Iran to wider audiences by present- ing stories and aspects of Shahnameh in different media, which we are collectively calling “The Shahnameh Project.”
FEATHERS OF FIRE: A PERSIAN EPIC, the shadow play, is the third part of “The Shahnameh Project.”
FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS There is a great power in live performance. FEATHERS OF FIRE: A PERSIAN EPIC exposes children A Persian Epic is a visually breathtaking cinematic shadow and adults to a broader view of this world. It introduces new play for all ages, created by Hamid Rahmanian, a 2014 Gug- characters and places, teaches them about the history of civili- genheim fellowship-winning filmmaker/visual artist. zation and reinforces the positive attributes of what it means to The play unfolds an action-packed magical tale of star- be human. crossed lovers from the 10th-century Persian epic Shahnameh It is our intention to highlight the strength of the culture and (‘The Book of Kings’), – Zaul and Rudabeh, who triumph at the promote a more complex and interesting view of Iranian culture end against all odds. in the United States. With all performances, we intend to offer Rahmanian’s graphics, derived from the visual tradition ancillary programming to bring the story and culture much closer of the region, will be rendered as puppets, costumes, masks, to the audience. scenography and digital animation, all of which will come to Our focus especially will be young demographics. We will life in a “live animation” shadow casting technique perfected offer school matinees with chances for children to interact with by shadow master Larry Reed on a cinema-size screen. The play artists, hands-on shadow theatre workshops and other fun activi- also features an original score by the acclaimed musical team, ties, through which to inspire young minds for new perspectives Loga Ramin Torkian & Azam Ali. Feathers of Fire had its world on the people and cultures around them and beyond. We consider premiere at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in 2016. this as one of the essential aspects of FEATHERS OF FIRE: A Iran has a rich and diverse culture that very few people PERSIAN EPIC.
12 No. 89 C O M M E N T A R Y SHAH’S ILLUSIONS AND SPIRITUAL BELIEFS
M. Reza Vaghefi, Ph.D
His Majesty said “We have no ment but the turmoil accentuated after doubt that God looks after us until we that tragedy, did not stop. complete the mission we have adopted Rumer began to circulate and find for the people this land”. Assadolah an audience that previous prime min- Alam’s Memoire Volume 6, page 177, ister, Dr. Ali Amini, may get the job. edited by A.N. Alikhani. And so goes Dr. Amini was an experience politician Shah’s understanding of his standing and probably he could muster enough with the Almighty. One wonders what to capable people to stabilize the condi- make of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahla- tions. In preparations to present his slate vi’s mind at that moment. This statement and a plan to the Shah, Dr. Amini had by Shah at the time was accompanied asked one of his aides, a Tehran Uni- by similar one in the sense that Shah versity professor, to assemble a group was so emboldened, or given absolutely of well-informed people to meet with wrong information about a host of things him and recommend some solutions. As that had created the turmoil and the stra- including a statement that” We will soon a former Dean of College of Economics ta of society that were responsible for arrive at the gate of great civilization”. at Teheran University, I was one of the the disturbances. Then he began to raise It had also been circulated through the people to meet with the potential prime questions and all of sudden asked me Office of the Prime Minister Hoveida minister. (the author) my opinion. Here I found that Iran will be one of the world’s Dr. Amini had been in politics for an opportunity to lay out what had been five major economies in a few years. a long time. An Iranian Ambassador going on, dangerously, and creating po- All such statements were either based to Washington during the late John tential social and political vacuum. I on total lack of knowledge about the Kennedy’s presidency, had created an referred to actual decision by the Shah economy or were simply mentioned to opportunity for him to show-case his which had created the political crisis. I make Shah happy. Assadolah Alam did penchant for structural change in Iran. told Dr. Amini to please tell the Shah not at least, in his memoires, hesitate to Upon his return to Iran he was appointed that he and his father had done remark- mention that he was quite sure that of- Prime Minister when he brought in to able things for Iran in terms of physical ficials attending the highest gathering in the government people like Arsanjohny infrastructure. The objective facts that in Shah’s presence, the High Economic who was eager to initiate some land re- every Iranian recognized. Some top-rat- Council, did not tell Shah the truth about form and convince the Shah that such ed universities, a cross-country railroad the chaotic nature of the economy, de- reform was absolutely essential for the connecting North to South, creation of terioration in the physical infrastructure country’s progress. Dr. Amini was also steel mills, modern roads and a host of of and complete lack of coordination the signatory to the debatable Oil Agree- other things including national security among economic actors in the system. ment (Consortium) signed a year after and unrivaled army and air force in the They did not dare say a word, or they the overthrow of legitimately elected Dr. region. But they had failed in creating may not come back. Mohammad Mossadegh who pioneered political leaders that could lead these nationalization of Iranian oil industry. institutions and assets in times of crises. Desperate Moments Such colorful professional history As a matter of fact, they both had elimi- Jamsheed Amoozegar was a com- made Dr. Amini, himself, target of the nated the possibilities that such leaders petent civil servant who had served in emerging mass opposition although not would emerge and lead the nation. Ex- Government in many position beginning pronoiunced. Regardless of such back- perienced and honest and well respected with the Ministry of Health portfolio. ground there seemed to be a glimmer of people like Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh Many other prestigious responsibilities hope for Dr. Amini to assume the role of who was put under house arrest after a followed when he was finally appointed the Prime minister at such critical time. foreign- inspired Coup, and deprived of the Prime Minister I 1977. In about less And that is why he was trying to find specialized medical help when, if avail- than a year into his term, a movie house the market conditions, sort of, limited as able, would have saved his life. And of was put on fire in Abadan, in South- they were. As we were seating around course, there were quite a few others west of the country and Amoozegar Dr. Amini asked what would be the ap- who had earned respect of the nation resigned’. Sherif-emami, another Shah propriate questions that he may utter at and would have followed their guidance loyalist and proven incompetent in pre- the presence His Imperial Majesty the but they were isolated and sent to exile. vious job, was put in charge of Govern- Shah. The audience raised some issues Also, Hid Majesty had done worse that
Spring 2018 13 C O M M E N T A R Y his father. When his father was sent to presses his deep belief in religion as the King, he shockingly asked “Where exile by the Allied forces, at least he had mentioned in the preamble. Sometimes are our supporters”, the ones that had left a great statement like M.A. Foroughi in July of 1977, in a conversation with been organized by the government on who took the helm and stabilized the late Assadolah Alam, the Minister of the special occasions, the answer was “At country. His Majesty has left no none. Imperial Court, and at this time Shah’s their homes and warming up” because it Dr. Amini listened to my com- most intimate subordinate-friend, Shah was winter and the weather was unusu- ments and he seemed to have agreed mentions that” because of his experience ally cold in January 1979. Shah got the with me. The session ended in about (two assassination attempts on his life) message. But there were no Foroughis three hours and I had a feeling that he he believed that God will protect him as or Mossadeghs to calm the people by agreed with most of the issues raised he has in the past”, (Alam’s Memoire taking the helm and bringing tranquility by the audience. Dr. Mossadegh’s main Vol.6, p.538) It seems that the man with to the scene. Out pouring of anti-Shah crime was that he had told the Shah so much power in his hand depended continued until he left. She did not real- that he should reign and not rule. This on almighty to save his regime too. He ize the affairs of the state that required was the in Constitution of 1909, which seems not to differentiate between his implementation of Realpolitik cannot be would have saved the regime. But this personal affair and the affairs of the state relegated to Almighty and expect some was not to Shah’s liking and he over and that they both will be protected by spiritual being resolve shortages of basic short period after the Coup, took control God. necessities which are true functions of of major levers of power: security forces While Shah believed in such a meticulous planning of scarce resources including Intelligence, energy sector the metaphysical force to protect him and or a competitive market system. In the main stay of the government and foreign his regime there were forces proceeding absence of the latter he would have had to policy, which meant when things went methodically and meticulously to uproot allow the former function. But he had dis- really bad he had no one to blame and the regime and apparently extensive se- mantled the former’s analysis and recom- the people blamed him for all sorts of curity system was unaware or unwilling mendations in l973 which had predicted shortages and mismanagement. to counter these offensives forces, under massive inflation which indeed created the radar. the much of the turmoil. Obviously, God Shah’s Religious Beliefs Therefore, when the eruption of had nothing to do with such outcome, but On numerous occasions, Shah ex- massive demonstration was reported to unwarranted ambitions did.
14 No. 89 T H E A R T S & C U L T U R E THE NEW GEOPOLITICS OF THE SOUTH CAUCASUS REVIEWS Prospects for Regional Cooperation and Conflict Resolution (Contemporary Central Asia: Societies, CIRCASSIA: BORN TO BE FREE Politics, and Cultures) Adel Bashqawi Shireen T. Hunter This book provides the history of Publisher: Lexington Books, November 2017 Circassia, a small European nation in the This collection surveys the three South northwestern Caucasus. It explains the Caucasian states’ economic, social and po- Tsarist Russian invasion of this nation and litical evolution since their independence in the ensuing genocide which forced a mass 1991. It assesses their successes and fail- migration. As a result of this history, most ures in these areas, including their attempts Circassians today live in the diaspora. Adel to build new national identities and value Bashqawi, himself a descendant of Cir- systems to replace Soviet-era structures. cassian immigrants forcibly deported from It explains the interplay of domestic and their homeland into the Ottoman Empire, international factors that have affected their felt obligated to highlight an virtually forgotten period in the performance and influenced the balance history of the Circassian nation. of their successes and shortcomings. It fo- This book will attract the interest of readers wanting to cuses on the policies pursued by key regional and international be informed about the many challenges facing the Circassian actors towards the region and assesses the effects of regional issue. This book elaborates on a variety of affairs of concern to and international rivalries on these states’ development, as well Circassians and non-Circassians alike, notably those of academic as on the prospects for regional cooperation and conflict resolu- interest and human rights issues. tion. Finally, it analyzes a number regional and international The Circassian tragedy is analyzed in detail by Bashqawi. developments which could affect the future trajectory of these While this has received little attention in Western historiography, states’ evolution. up to 90 percent of Circassians are reported by Bashqawi as hav- Shireen T. Hunter has brought together a truly international ing been deported from their homeland. They are today scattered team of experts to examine the complex geopolitics of the South in scores of countries around the world, with the rest dispersed Caucasus. The breadth and depth of analysis on key questions— in their motherland, living in several Russian administrative such as state-building, democracy, and US–Russian rivalry— enclaves. Today, the integral elements of the entire Circassian present the reader with a rich and textured account of the region. nation are at stake, not just in territorial terms, but their language This volume is a tour de force on the interplay of global and and culture. regional dynamics which have made the geopolitics of the South The book describes how a nation has struggled to defend Caucasus a continuing source of challenges and opportunities. its very existence, identity, freedom and the very future of its (Shahram Akbarzadeh, Deakin University) generations who have endured a tremendous amount over the Shireen T. Hunter, herself an expert in Caucasian and Central decades as a result of the already cited the Tsarist invasion. Asian affairs, has gathered an exceptional team of specialists on The Circassians have had to adapt to the conditions imposed by the local histories, recent experiences, and geopolitics affecting their displacement into the lands of diaspora, concomitant with the three South Caucasian republics—Armenia, Azerbaijan, and a constant struggle against alienation. Georgia. Geography may be destiny, but surviving and thriving A distinguishing feature of this book is that it deals with in an area contested for centuries by Iran, Russia, and Turkey the issue of the Circassian identity and proposes possible legal requires both diplomatic and political skills as well as good luck. methods with which the Circassians can utilize in order to re- In essays written with deep local knowledge and exceptional clar- attain their cultural rights. ity, leading specialists guide the reader through the intricacies and This book also examines political issues not discussed in complexities of the region. If you want to understand the past, several books discussing Circassia and Circassians. By linking the present, and the future of the South Caucasian peoples, this is past to the present, Bashqawi arrives at a vision for the future. he the book with which to begin. (Ronald Grigor Suny, University also cogently argues that simply ignoring the issues is no longer of Michigan) an adaptive option. This study puts today’s volatile South Caucasus in its proper It is also argued that optimism and solidarity are required historical and geopolitical context. Readers new to the subject to preserve the culture, heritage, language, and the entire nation will become conversant with the main issues; old hands will find of the Circassians. much to ponder and discuss. Shireen T. Hunter’s own unique The book demonstrates how the Circassians have the poten- perspective is especially valuable. (John Evans, former US Am- tial of linking and uniting over the internet. The use of traditional bassador to Armenia) print media, modern and advanced communications, and social media have provided solid foundations for helping the Circassians connect across the globe. Thus far, the internet has aided with the following: teaching the Circassian Adigha language, preserv- Advertise Here: ing culture, acquiring eBooks, addressing children’s concerns, establishing communications, connecting activists, disseminating Persian Heritage information about the Circassian issue, learning Circassian his- tory, sharing petitions, finding research centers, reaching libraries, 973 471 4283 accessing archives, bookstores, and other important matters.
15 No. 89 T H E A R T S & C U L T U R E A NEW BOOK ON THE (roughly from 1200 BCE to 1980). A second paper titled GEOLOGY AND EARTHQUAKES OF IRAN “Tehran: An Earthquake Time Bomb” authored by Manuel Rasoul Sorkhabi Berberian and Professor Robert Yeats of Oregon State Uni- by the Geological Society of America versity is particularly timely in view of the recent destructive Iran lies at a critically earthquakes in Iran. important geologic region – A press release about this book by the Geological So- at the collision zone of the ciety of America reads: “Southwest Asia is one of the most Arabian and Eurasian tecton- remarkable regions on Earth in terms of active faulting and ic plates. This tectonic setting folding, large-magnitude earthquakes, volcanic landscapes, gives Iran and surrounding petroliferous foreland basins, historical civilizations as well countries the natural riches of as geologic outcrops that display the protracted and complex high mountains as well as di- 540-m.y. stratigraphic record of Earth’s Phanerozoic Era. sastrous earthquakes. A new Emerged from the birth and demise of the Paleo-Tethys and book published by the Geo- Neo-Tethys oceans, southwest Asia is currently the locus of logical Society of America ongoing tectonic collision between the Eurasia-Arabia conti- highlights the geologic his- nental plates. The region is characterized by the high plateaus tory and earthquake tectonics of Iran and Anatolia fringed by the lofty ranges of Zagros, of Iran and the surrounding Alborz, Caucasus, Taurus, and Pontic mountains; the region lands in the Caucasus and Anatolia. The volume published in also includes the strategic marine domains of the Persian Gulf, December 2017 is titled Tectonic Evolution, Collision, and Gulf of Oman, Caspian, and Mediterranean. This 19-chapter Seismicity of Southwest Asia: In Honor of Manuel Berberian’s volume, published in honor of Manuel Berberian, a preeminent Forty-Five Years of Research Contributions. The book came geologist from the region, brings together a wealth of new out of a conference held on October 29, 2013 in Denver, data, analyses, and frontier research on the geologic evolution, Colorado, during the 125th Annual Meeting of the Geological collisional tectonics, active deformation, and historical and Society of America. Edited by Professor Rasoul Sorkhabi of modern seismicity of key areas in southwest Asia.” the University of Utah, the huge book in 675 pages consists The photo (courtesy of Dr. Mohammad Fakhari) shows Zard Kuh, of 19 research papers, most of which deal with the tectonics the highest summit on the Zagros Range. and earthquakes of Iranian Plateau. Both the conference and the book were in recognition of Professor Manuel Berberain’s lifetime research contributions to geological knowledge, ac- tive tectonics and earthquake science of Iran. Berberian born in 1945 in Tehran to an Iranian Armenian family holds a PhD in geology from Cambridge and worked at the Geological Survey of Iran from 1971 until 1990 when he migrated to the USA. His publications (in English and Persian) include an impressive list of more than 110 research papers, over 200 geological reports and maps, and 11 books. His most recent book, Earthquakes and Coseismic Surface Faulting on the Iranian Plateau, was published in 2014 by Elsevier and is a monumental report on the earthquakes of Iran spanning centuries. In his introduction to the book, Professor Sorkhabi writes that the geologic record of Iran “has important implications for understanding the tectonic evolution of Asia as well as the ongoing processes of structural deformation and the devel- opment of petroliferous sedimentary basin in the region. In addition, Cenozoic tectonics of the region has direct relevance for hazardous seismic activity, landscape development, and climatic changes that have shaped the region’s ecosphere.” The introductory chapter is followed by a biography and bibliography of Manuel Berberian (also written by the editor). The book opens with an important paper by Dr. Berbe- rian on the history of geologic thinking and research in Iran from Zoroastrian mythology to the modern geologic work
16 No. 89 T H E A R T S & C U L T U R E TIES OF BROTHERHOOD the Trail of Fire and Mustard to Hindostan.... RAKESH CHAUBEY
A story is told in Hindostan So he ordered both Saudaba and of a girl who was married off and Seiavash to walk through fire. As had to go live at her husband’s the story goes, Saudaba was burnt home in a nearby village. When and Seiavash escaped unhurt. she was about to leave, she took Come spring, the people of a bag of mustard seeds along Hindostan build big bonfires and with her. As she sat in the cart, take fire from there to light and she kept on scattering seeds on purify the stoves at their homes the flank of dirt road. She wept. (an ancient ritual when a com- She missed her parents and her munal fire was kept burning in siblings. Adjustment in her hus- every village and people bor- band’s house was hard. Winter rowed from it). The mythology came. She missed her parents behind this ritual is the story more than ever. Finally came of King Hirankashyap, his son noruz (called Holi in Hindostan). She went out of her house Prahlad and daughter Holika. Similar confusion caused both and saw the lovely yellow flowers blooming. She began to run Prahlad and Holika to go through the fire. Holika died and alongside the flowers and after a lot of running and resting - a Prahlad survived. few hours later she found herself back at her home with her Now tell me, are you not shaking your head in amazement? parents and siblings! March is around the corner. Chahr Sambesuri will be Lets look at the trail of fire! celebrated soon. Neither most Persians nor most Indians In Spring the Arya people from Armenia celebrate a Water know that there may not be a trail of mustard between them, festival called Vardavar and come Easter they light fires (these but there certainly is a trail of fire that runs between them. days the church has made them give up the bonfire and makes It is an ancient bridge of fire that binds the Persians and the them light candles) Hindostani people by a bond of brotherhood, that is not vis- In Spring the Arya people of Persian (Iran) celebrate ible to most unless they look into the history of both people. Chahrshambe Suri and observe Noruz (New Year) a few days Today we have a wall of fanatic Arabized Pakistan be- later. They invite people and place the Haft seen with Ajeel tween the Persians and the Hindostanis, but not too long ago and sprouts to mark the arrival of the growing season. the two cultures interfaced with each other and there was In Spring the Arya people of Afghanistan celebrate the thriving trade, travel and interaction between the two. In fact, new year by lighting bonfires and flying kites (Remember the the languages and customs of North India are so similar that book Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini?). when people learn about it their jaws drop in awe. In Spring, the Arya people who became Sikh, celebrate Lohri (where they light bonfires) and celebrate Baisakhi (New THE TRAIL OF FIRE year - similar to Noruz). They fly kites during this festival Come spring, the people of Persia build small bonfires much like their Afghan brothers. and celebrate the festival of Chahrshambe suri - The fourth In Spring, the Arya people who came to be called Hindus Wednesday of the sun. They light small bonfires and jump celebrate Holi. They light up bonfires on the night of the full over them and chant, “Sorkhiye tu az man, Zardiye man az moon and the next day, much like the Armenian brothers who tu!” It is a ritual of purity where people consign their mala- throw water at each other for Vardavar, they throw colored dies to fire and purify themselves. The mythology behind it water and powders at each other. They too fly kites during is the story of King Kaikawoos who had a young son named the Spring festivities. Seiavash. Late in life, Kaikawoos marred a young woman Now you have run with me along the mustard plants and named Saudaba. Saudaba developed tender feelings towards we are back at our home - which is our Arya identity. Seiavash but Seiavash was not ready to blight the sanctity of This Noruz accept my greetings from Hindostan. Our the mother-son relationship. Rebuffed and rejected, Saudaba brotherhood and our culture may last forever, regardless of complained to the King that Seiavash had behaved inappro- how we have been taught to pray. In our hearts you are Khur- priately towards her. The king did not know who to believe. shidis and we are Suryavanshis. One and the same thing!
Spring 2018 17 T H E A R T S & C U L T U R E CYRUS’ INFLUENCE ON THOMAS JEFFERSON and the Foundations of Modern America POUYA ZAREI (MSc University of Sorbonne, Paris) “I advise you to regularly study an ideal empire. Xenophon, us- history and literature in both ing several examples of Cyrus’s [Greek and Latin]. Start in life, expresses the dimensions of Greek first with the “Cyrus political leadership of a society. script.” Thus, history is used as a tool to These sentences are part of the express its desirable moral system letter Thomas Francis Epps, author and use it to grow society. of the Declaration of Independence, Xenophon’s Kouroshnameh, authored by the Founding Fathers of which was forgotten after the great America and the third president of influence of the ancient world (in- the country, wrote to his grandfather cluding Alexander Macedonian Francis Epps almost two hundred and Julius Caesar), was restored years ago. in the post-liberation period and The book that he recommends the beginning of the Enlighten- to read is the Kouroshname or “In ment, and with new translations the Cultivation of Cyrus” of the work of enced by Scottish and English political inspired political philosophers. Xenophon, a Greek historian of the 5th philosophers such as Hutchison and John From Nicolas Machiavelli and Jean century BC, in which he directed the life Locke to classical Greek and Latin works Jacques Rousseau to Benjamin Franklin, of Cyrus II, the founder of the Achaemenid . His love for the Greek and Roman clas- he was impressed by the rejection of me- dynasty. sical works reflected in his private let- dieval political thought, the construction Jefferson, in another letter to his Ital- ters, which is shared by John Adams and of the modern society, and the way Selah’s ian friend, Philippe Mazi, asks for a fresh Benjamin Franklin, the founding fathers government was governed by Xenophon translation of that Italian book. At least of America. _and the ethical system that he presented four different versions of the Cyrus script in the Cyrus Book. In America, in addition have been recorded in Jefferson’s personal Cyrus Book or to Jefferson, John Adams also referred library, and Jefferson has compared his Kourosh Education to a curiosity book as a textbook. Now, two versions of the book with one of his Xenophon, a disciple of Socrates and through the manuscripts of John Canyon own lines. Why Cyrus and Cyrus in the a historian of the 5th century BCE, wrote Adams, 18, we can find out how his father Thomas J. Jefferson’s World of Thought in the book of Cyrus or Cyrus education, John Adams has been obliged to read Jo- to establish a Secular American Democrat with a simple effect on the life of Cyrus sephon’s Choosochron in his study period have a special place in the time of his life ll, the founder of the Achaemenid dynasty. in order to be ready for government jobs. and his conception of the ideal political This book has been closely associated with system. Iranians since its inception in the Cyrus Cyrus’s Lessons Small squad in the years 401-400 BC and for American Secularism Thomas Jefferson its acquaintance. Thomas Jefferson is among the first and the Enlightenment Among the prominent Greek and political personalities in the modern world Thomas Jefferson, as one of the great- Roman historians, he is not considered a who has broken down the institution of est figures in the Enlightenment, was in thorough and comprehensive historiogra- religion from the government and tried the tradition of the prominent political phy, and his style of speaking, far from his to implement it. The Religious Freedom philosophers of his time. The philosophers contemporary language, is in the middle Charter, which he wrote 240 years ago, who tried to build their ideas on the works of reality and imagination. In other words, and the foundation of church separation of the iconic figures of ancient Greece although his book is not entirely devoid from the government in Virginia, and later and Rome and find the remains of the of historical authenticity, it does, however, in the United States Constitution, are the works of the predecessors of the material include a historic storytelling in terms of first legal texts that guarantee the impar- for the establishment of a new military. style. For him, the history of Cyrus’s life is tiality of sovereignty over religion. Nearly Among them, one can mention Hobbes of secondary importance and, as stated in 80 years after the death of Jefferson, a and Machiavelli. the opening pages of the book, the thought similar charter was drafted and passed to ln the second half of the 18th cen- of writing this book has come to mind approve the separation of religion from the tury, and before the American revolution, when he thinks about the causes of the government in France with the efforts of against the royal rule of the United King- failure of popular governments. Aristide Bryant. dom, the Enlightenment tradition was at The kingdom of Cyrus is for him an For Jefferson, this separation did not the peak of the revelation of the ancient example of a just rule over a large mul- go a long way toward eliminating religion, Greek and Roman monuments. Thomas titude of people from different nations which guaranteed the protection of the Jefferson, a young man at William College and nations. As a result, he chooses him rights of all religions in society. According and Mary Virginia, was generally influ- as a model for pouring the foundation of to him, having religious beliefs did not
18 No. 89 T H E A R T S & C U L T U R E have conflicts with the belief in secular- from the revolution)? The answer to this ism. While political opponents of Thomas concern is the introduction of the Ach- Rare Iranian Jefferson introduced him as an anti-Sem- aemenid Empire in the time of Cyrus as Manuscript ite, he believed himself to be the end of a model of the successful operation of a the individual’s life [under the school of broad-based, ethical and legalist political Registered deity]. As stated in Jefferson’s writings, he system. A model that shows how ethical in UNESCO always referred to his success in establish- values can be integrated into the adminis- Memory of the World ing the principle of separation of religion tration of government. The new political from the institution of government and system that Jefferson and his entourage Tehran Times: The book is pre- its implementation, and ultimately called had achieved (by rebuilding the Athenian served at the library of Tehran’s Goles- it one of three great works of his life in direct democracy and transforming it into tan Palace Museum, Farhad Nazari, Omar, and he wrote it along with the honor a territorially representative democracy) an official of Iran’s Culture Heritage, of your writing Draft US Independence did not fit into the autonomous autocracy Tourism and Handicrafts Organiza- Declaration on its gravestone. system of Cyrus. However, the blow of tion, told the Persian service of ISNA The experience of Cyrus the Ach- the moral spirit in his government, the on Tuesday. As noted by Nazari: aemenid in adopting a policy of religious type of justice and the manner in which “Numerous versions of the book are tole rance and non-imposition of the of- power balances in vast areas could have kept at various libraries around the ficial religion reflected in the curioshare inspired them in the emerging American world…” Nazari added that the book represents Jefferson’s move towards a democracy. On the other hand, at the onset kept at the Golestan Palace Museum is state that, while broadening its scope and of the Republican system in the United one of the most splendid versions that leading the crises, guarantees freedom States, while the pillars of the constitu- represents artistic and cultural values. of opinion. It would seem that if Cyrus tions were not adequately explained and Rashid al-Din was a physician had succeeded in securing the ancients tested, there was a fear of concentrating and historian to the court of Ghazan in the ancient world with the degree of power in the president and turning him Khan (1271-1304), an Ilkhanid ruler abandonment and the existence of primi- into absolute power. who commissioned him to write the tive religious sects in an endless conflict, Hence, the founding fathers were Jami al-Tawarikh. However, it was they would guarantee the impartiality of obsessed with discussing the scope of the completed during the reign of Oljaitu the state on an extent to the extent of the authority and the manner in which the first who ruled from 1307 to 1316. The Achaemenid empire, It is repeated. At the person was governed. In the meantime, the Jami’ al-Tawarikh covers the history time of writing the Jefferson Religious image that Xenophon possessed from the of the Mongols, the Chinese, Franks Freedom Charter, 112 years before the ethical attributes and the virtues of Cyrus and Indians. The book is the tenth item Cyrus Human Rights Core Principle The in power in the curioshare was a scroll that has been inscribed UNESCO’s archpomists of the British Assyriot of that could point out the deviation from Memory of the World Register list. Persia were excavated out of the soil by the original path. The Kulliyat-i Sadi, Persian the royal archeologist, and historic circles An American Iranian scholar, Rich- poet Sadi’s Bustan (The Orchard) of the existence of a plan embodying the ard Fray, was busy studying research and Gulistan (The Rose Garden), revival of the rights of religious minorities on the impact of Cyrus the Great on the and the Kitab al-Masalik wal-Ma- during his reign, Cyrus’s tolerance was founding fathers of America in his later malik (The Book of Itineraries and reached through Greek and Latin sources years. Hence, the founding fathers were Kingdoms) by Abu Is’haq Ibrahim of modernity. Effectiveness of Thomas obsessed with discussing the scope of the ibn Muhammad Istakhri both were Jefferson This means the rule of a number authority and the manner in which the first inscribed on the list in one file in 2015. of Achaemenid kings in the notes that he person was governed. In the meantime, the Earlier in 2013, a collection of was on the margins of the book “Trea- image that Xenophon possessed from the selected maps of Iran from the Qajar tise on the manners and spirit of nations” ethical attributes and the virtues of Cyrus era (1779-1926), was added to the list. by Voltaire, political philosopher of the in power in the curioshare was a scroll “At-Tafhim” written by Abu Ray- Enlightenment in France wrote the eyes that could point out the deviation from han Biruni (973-1048 CE) and “Kham- there and seen that the failure to impose the original path. seh” composed by Nezami Ganjavi a state religion and the religious tolerance At the same time that Thomas Jef- (c. 1141-1209 CE) were other Iranian of Darius I, who was drawn along the ferson and his colleagues searched for the books registered on the list in 2011. Achaemenid Cyrus monarchy. modern rule of thought and the founda- A collection of Iran’s administrative tions of new political ideas in the ruins documents dating back to the Safavid The Founding Fathers of of the Cyrus Empire in the Greek and era was added to UNESCO’s Memory America and the Cross of Latin works, in Iran he was known as the of the World Register list in 2009. In Absolute Autocracy tombstone and his grave stone called the addition, the Shahnameh of Baysun- One of the concerns of the founding Mausoleum of the Prophet Solomon. It qur, one of three ancient copies of fathers of America after the establishment was still time that in 1818, British diplo- Ferdowsi’s epic masterpiece, and the of the new government was the question of mat and British explorer Robert Kirper, Endowment Deed of Rab-e Rashidi whether a righteous government can reach after a thousand years of obscurity, would are two other Iranian works that were and extend on a scale around a continent have to show that the stone building on the registered on the list in 2007 (in this case, the United States with mul- Murghab plain of Iran is the same as the tiple states and internal chaos resulting Achaemenid Cyrus monastery.
Spring 2018 19 T H E A R T S & C U L T U R E Generous, humble, loving, and devoted are all words I would use to describe Roxana Sheikh, a wonderful person, mother, and friend. Roxana came into my life a few years ago when her daughter A Talk with Kimya and I became friends. Kimya is now my best friend and like a younger sister to me, much like her mom is my second mother. I chose to interview Roxana so I could find out her life history and how she came to be the amazing woman she is. Roxana When I first asked Roxana if I could interview her for a project Roxana Sheikh at school she immediately replied with a yes, as she is always will- ing to do anything she can to help others especially when it comes to education. Although I feel very comfortable talking to Roxana about anything I still wanted to choose my questions wisely, how- ever she assured me not to be shy. I conducted my first interview, By: Lindsay Smoot which included more basic questions about where she was born Generous, humble, loving, and devoted are all and attended school as well as some information about her family. Roxana Sharif was born in Cleveland, Ohio to parents of words I would use to describe Roxana Sheikh, a Iranian ancestry in 1958. She moved to Tehran, Iran with her par- wonderful person, mother, and friend. ents at the age of three and lived there with her two brothers and a close-knit circle of relatives. She attended the American School in Tehran, and was tutored in her native language at home while two brothers, both younger than her. Ramin, only a year and a half taking piano and ballet lessons. Through her school and her family, behind Roxana, is someone I have actually met. To Roxana, Ramin she was exposed to many sports, including horseback riding, skiing is more than a brother. He is her soul mate. To this day they still and ice-skating. After graduating from high school, she came to the watch out for each other and keep one another’s secrets. Ramin, United States to attend college. In 1976, she enrolled in American the president of a General Contracting Company, has a sweet sense University at Washington D.C. where she got a graduate degree in of humor and an active personality. A former high school soccer Education and later moved to New Jersey for her PhD in Educa- player, and a guardian to Roxana’s three children after their father tion Administration. passed away ten years ago, Ramin lives just down the street from Roxana is fluent in English, Farsi, and also French for which Roxana, and is always available for her children, Kayvan, Kamron, she spent summers in France, Switzerland, and Belgium. She is a and Kimya. “The word ‘uncle’ is not sufficient enough to describe worldly woman who has traveled a great deal and is familiar with his loving support. My brother is an exceptional man with a kind many cultures. During the first interview, our conversation turned heart large enough for my family as well as others.” to information about her family. I could hear from her voice how Babak, her second brother, is five years younger than her. much family meant to her and how she adored each and every fam- Even though he is married with a child of his own on the way, ily member. Her words came alive when she spoke of her family, he still finds time for Roxana and her children. From an early helping me to form images of them in my head with a smile. She age, Babak’s special photographic memory and discipline was described her father as “a chubby, bald, and energetic man known evident. Always well behaved and studious, he followed a path throughout the country as a caring and highly skilled orthopedic in medicine like his father. What touched me most about Babak surgeon who had once been the Secretary of Health and Welfare was when Roxana told me that he had declined his admittance to before Iran’s Revolution of 1979. Roxana described her father as an Ivy League undergraduate schools to attend Rutgers not only an informed and zealot man who really helped modernize Iran’s to be with his older brother and boost his ego, but to help family healthcare and social security system. “He always reminded us financially by paying much less tuition. His selfless act reflects to be grounded, even though, financially, we could afford a more the importance of family unit in their household. Babak later at- affluent lifestyle. He also encouraged my brothers and I to do tended Columbia Medical School with a scholarship and is now a volunteer works for the needy as he never stopped to perform char- practicing orthopedic surgeon in Florida. ity surgery despite his enormous responsibilities,” Roxana said. From all these accounts, I learned how Roxana grew to be- Immediately I connected this to a quality about her that I value so come such a special individual. I have learned that she gets her much, her generosity and humble personality and the willingness kindness, readiness to help, and energy from her father; and her to help others whenever she can. beauty, grace, and storytelling abilities from her mother. She gets Roxana then talked of her mother: a beautiful, graceful, and her generosity and big heart that touches many lives from her smart woman who “taught literature at the university, was an ex- brother Ramin; and the trait of putting others first from her younger cellent orator who spoke with fluency and ease, and mesmerized brother, Babak. Roxana is also capable of spreading these wonder- people by her ability to speak and write stories.” Once again I in- ful qualities to anyone who touches her. Obviously, she has grown stantly connected these qualities to Roxana and the way she charms in a uniquely special family. people by her easy but passionate personality whether she listens My second interview with Roxana consisted of deeper ques- or talks to people. According to Roxana, her mother “believed that tions about her Persian culture and what life was really like in as a teacher she was not only responsible for educating women Iran. Never having been to the Middle East and only hearing about intellectually, but also socially by making them aware of their civil Iran through the media, I was eager to know what it was like back rights. “After the revolution and living in America, I solely credit then when she was growing up. I asked Roxana what was her best her for pushing us to finish our education and becoming profes- memory from her home country and her response brought Tehran sionals under very difficult circumstances.” alive to me. “The smell and sounds of a normal day!” she said. I asked Roxana about her siblings. She told me that she has “If you walked around your neighborhood around lunchtime, the
20 No. 89 T H E A R T S & C U L T U R E aromatic smells of different foods would make your mouth water. I not taken seriously and usually broken just a few weeks into the loved walking by open windows, smelling and hearing the sounds New Year. In the Persian culture, however, the New Year is a time of the pots and pans, imagining what was being cooked and the of reunion with friends and relative during the two-week holiday, family for which it was being prepared. I also miss the sweet chant- starting with the eldest and ending with the youngest, disregard ing of the street peddlers, selling different things.” of the social status. What she described was so much different from what I am At the end of the interview I Asked Roxana what she cherished used to living in America. My hometown has both neighborhoods most about her culture. “Respecting the elders,” she said. “At a and homes that are very spread out from each other, and the young age you learn to stand when they enter the room, greet them development complexes do not resemble the type of childhood properly, offer your chair to them, carry their bags, and make ap- experience that Roxana describes. propriate conversation. You are, in return, treated the same by them. When I asked her what growing up in her home and neigh- Even the merchant whose store you enter, or a stranger in the street borhood was like her first words were, “It was wonderful.” Their who gives you directions to a place, is respectful of you.” Roxana house was directly next to her grandparents’ and within half a insists that those good traits are still evident in the Iranian culture block from her aunt’s and uncle’s homes. Unlike in our culture today even though the political system has changed. where babysitting plays a major role in raising our kids, Roxana When I asked her what cultural influences are still held im- explained that there were always relatives and friends available to portant to her, she chose close family ties, hospitality towards watch them. The neighborhood was safe, and the neighbors were guests, and the tolerance of social diversity. I did not need further friendly. “We depended on the caring and watchful eyes of the explanation of her because all these traits were so evident in her neighbor,” she said and I found that very comforting. If only our personality.n “Do you think your culture has been passed down to American society worked the same way today! your children?” I asked. She replied that her children understand In Iran, tall walls that provided security and privacy sur- some Persian, and love the food, and the Persian New Year festivi- rounded each house. Inside, Roxana said, the kids chased each other ties. But on a more serious note she told me, “I hope they have around the yard and were able to play in the pool noisily without also learned to be loyal to family members and respectful and kind disturbing the neighbors or being bothered by intruders. However, to all people. I believe that being exposed to another culture has Roxana was sure to point out, the walls did not keep people away. widened their horizon.” She remembered always having their house filled with guests, both When it comes to analyzing my fieldwork, I must keep in my relatives and friends. “No one ever needed an invitation to visit us. mind one of Michael Agar’s first points in his work, Culture: An Our home was always welcome to guests.” I can see how this part Upgrade, when he discusses the concept of the word “culture.” of her culture has still remained with her, her home always open He indicates that one of the negative issues of this word is how it to friends and family. I know that I can always stop by her house has been distorted, “it makes us think we understand everything whether they are expecting me or not. This is not usually the case about a person or a group when in fact we’ve just noticed a part with most American households. Never have I felt so welcome and over generalized it into an outdated stereotype” (Agar 2). I and part of someone else’s family as I do with Roxana’s family. cannot help but agree with this statement because no matter how I asked Roxana to tell me about the Persian culture and the much we try to locate ourselves in a particular culture we will role religion played in her home. She said she grew up in a secular never fully understand it. However, by learning about and trying home atmosphere that was not religious but respectful of the faith to understand different cultures is step closer than sitting back and and the faithful. “No formal religion was practiced at home, how- creating stereotypes. After doing some fieldwork of my own, I have ever, since it was practiced around us, the awareness was always really learned that “all have different perspectives, on what they present.” By listening to her grandparents’ stories she learned about believe, on what they value,” (Agar 10). I find this a very important doing good deeds, being respectful of people, and a few other stuff deduction from my research to note. This helps shape different like the concepts of Karma and heaven and hell. kinds of people and a society in a whole. The specific aspects that I asked her about special traditional or national celebrations Roxana values from her culture make her who she is. Her cultural that were important in her life. Roxana replied instantly that, “The background makes her stand out from others because she appreci- most colorful and joyful celebration has been Norooz—the Persian ates and values things that most Americans take for granted. New Year—that begins on the first day of spring and stretches As I look back on the interviews to further reflect, I specifi- for thirteen days. It’s an ancient festivity that goes back to over cally remember when I asked Roxana what she cherished most 3,000 years.” about her culture. She spoke of the formality learned during her Norooz, she explained, is not a religious holiday but a celebra- childhood. She highly valued the respect given towards elders and tion of the resurrection of nature each spring. The Persian New Year strangers. I find this worthy to note because this is something I feel is a combination of Halloween (trick or treating); Easter (coloring America lacks. The concept of respect has evolved over the years. eggs and dressing the children in beautiful, bright colors); and I have heard many teachers and parents say that children in today’s Christmas (decorating the homes, exchanging gifts, baking cookies society get away with a lot more than they used to because they and entertaining guests.) Roxana said that every item on the New lack respect. From the Persian culture, I take away that respectful Year Eve’s table including the flowers, eggs and foods, represents behavior is something that stands out and hopefully that will never hopes for, well-being, prosperity and happiness. In the American change. What I have learned through these interviews is that the culture, New Year’s Eve is most widely known as a time for dress- qualities I admire in Roxana are ones that she has learned from her ing in formal attire, usually consisting of the colors silver, black, childhood and the way she was brought up. When I compare her and gold, counting down for the New Year and popping bottles of childhood to families raised in America I see a great difference. champagne. Americans typically make “New Year’s Resolutions” Priorities vary among cultures and I personally feel that in Iran which are commitments made at the beginning of the year involv- they have got it right. I find it very important that Roxana has not ing things an individual wants to work on. These resolutions are lost her valuable ethics she learned as a little girl.
Spring 2018 21 T H E A R T S & C U L T U R E Omár Khayyám’s Rubáiyát (Quatrains)
BY JOOBIN BEKHRAD
In 1909, two London book- claimed novel. “At the bottom carte blanche to let their briel Wells at a Sotheby’s auc- binders were commissioned of the Atlantic there is a book,” imagination go wild and con- tion for £450 – less than half its to create a book that would he writes in its introduction. jure the most bedazzling book reserve price of £1,000. Wells, become one of the most be- “I am going to tell you its his- the world would ever behold. like Sotheran’s before him, in- dazzling the world had be- tory.” Completed in 1911 after two tended to have the masterpiece held. Joobin Bekhrad reveals ‘Whoso desireth a pea- years of intensive labor, the shipped to America. Unluckily how it ended up at the bot- cock must endure the trials book – of Edward FitzGer- for him – and the world – it tom of the Atlantic – and how of Hindustan’, says a popular ald’s loose Victorian interpre- couldn’t be taken aboard the it still influences today. Persian proverb. While this tations of Omar Khayyám’s ship originally chosen. particular one refers to the poems, illustrated by Elihu The Titanic was next in “When the Titanic went Iranian monarch Nader Shah Vedder – came to be known line, and the rest needs no ex- down on the night of April 14 Afshar’s sacking of Delhi and as ‘The Great Omar’, as well planation. The story, however, 1912 in the sea off the New looting of the famed Peacock as ‘The Book Wonderful’, on didn’t end with the sinking of World, its most eminent victim Throne (amongst other things) account of its sheer splendor. the Titanic, or even Sangor- was a book…” French-Leb- in the mid-18th Century, it Gracing its gilded cover were ski’s strange death by drown- anese author Amin Maalouf might just as well have been three peacocks with bejeweled ing some weeks afterwards. may have been stretching it a coined a few centuries later in tails, surrounded by intricate Sutcliffe’s nephew Stanley bit in his 1988 historical novel London. With a desire to re- patterns and floral sprays typi- Bray was determined to re- Samarkand. Or not, depending vive medieval traditions of be- cal of medieval Persian man- vive not only the memory of on whom you were to ask at jeweled bookbinding, George uscripts, while a Greek bou- the Great Omar, but also the the time. The book in question Sutcliffe and Francis Sangor- zouki could be seen on the book itself. Using Sangorski’s was a fictional manuscript of ski were renowned throughout back. Over 1000 precious and original drawings, he managed the Rubáiyát (Quatrains) by the city in the early 1900s for semi-precious stones – rubies, – after a grueling six years – to the 11th-Century Iranian poly- their opulent and over-the-top turquoises, emeralds, and oth- replicate the book, which was math Omár Khayyám, prized designs. Accordingly, it was to ers – were used in its making, placed in a bank vault. because it was the only one in them that Henry Sotheran’s, a as well as nearly 5000 pieces The Great Omar, it existence. In fact, a plethora bookstore on Sackville Street, of leather, silver, ivory, and seemed, had been born un- of copies of the volume of went to commission a book ebony inlays, and 600 sheets der a bad sign, for, during the Persian poems existed. There like no other. of 22-karat gold leaf. London Blitz of World War was, however, at the time the Over 1000 precious and Two, it was – not unlike the Titanic made its ill-fated voy- semi-precious stones – ru- The Great Omar poet’s wine jugs, symbolic age, one that outshone them bies, turquoises, emeralds, Although intended to be of human frailty – dashed to all – not in terms of what was and others – were used in its shipped to New York by So- pieces. Shaken, but not shat- written within, but rather, it’s making, as well as 600 sheets theran’s, the booksellers de- tered, Bray once again rolled almost otherworldly appear- of 22-karat gold leaf clined to pay the heavy duty up his sleeves to produce yet ance. It was this very real Cost, according to So- imposed on it at US customs. another version of his uncle’s manuscript that served as the theran’s, was to be no object; It was returned to England, swan song. This time, how- inspiration for Maalouf’s ac- the bookbinders were given where it was bought by Ga- ever, its making wasn’t a
22 No. 89 T H E A R T S & C U L T U R E matter of years, but decades. invaded by Arabs, and the anschauung – hence the ref- other instances. In the 1950s, Completed after 40 years Mongol hordes would soon erence to the author as ‘Fitz the Rubáiyát was so popular of on-and-off work, Bray’s raze his homeland to the Omar’. that more than half of it could tribulations were realized in ground) – the transience of life While it enjoyed little be found in the compendiums another stunning reproduction, and the inevitability of death, popularity upon its release, Bartlett’s Quotations and The which he loaned to the British and the importance of seizing the slim yet profound volume Oxford Book of Quotations. Library, and which his estate the all-too-brief moment we soon came to enjoy a popular- The Not-so-Old Tent- bequeathed to the institution are allotted on earth. Any talk ity Fitzgerald could never have maker following his death, where it of the afterlife or religion he imagined. In the late 19th Cen- Khayyám’s poetry has, can be seen today. “I am not deemed hot air. As he wrote: tury, an elite literary salon in undeniably, stood the test of in the least bit superstitious,” London – the still-active Omar time. In his native Iran, he is Bray remarked shortly before No one has seen Heaven or Khayyám Club – was named a towering figure whose book his demise, “even though they Hell, O heart of mine; after Khayyám. Fitzgerald’s of verse, like that of Hafez’s, is do say that the peacock is a Who, say you, has come from rendition of the Rubáiyát also very much a household staple. symbol of disaster”. that realm, O heart of mine? served as a source of inspira- FitzGerald’s rendition of Our hopes and fears are tion for Pre-Raphaelite artists the Rubáiyát is still, in spite FitzOmar pinned to that to which, such as William Morris, who of the prodigious liberties he What was the Rubáiyát Save a name and notion, we produced two illuminated took, the most well-known of Omar Khayyám, and who can naught else assign. manuscripts of it, the second of English version of it by far, was this enigmatic personage which also contained illustra- and an English classic in its with whom Sotheran’s, as well Although he often la- tions by Edward Burne-Jones. own right. Elsewhere around as innumerable others, were mented the ephemerality of Countless other editions the world, his poems can be fascinated? An 11th-Century life, he also resolved to en- were also produced, with ev- read in virtually every lan- polymath from eastern Iran, joy himself – with copious ery manner of illustration, by guage imaginable. As such, Khayyám was revered in his amounts of wine (and a few artists such as Edmund Dulac it’s perhaps no mystery why lifetime for his groundbreak- sweethearts, too). and Edmund Joseph Sullivan. Sotheran’s chose the Rubái- ing work in astronomy and If Goethe had been enam- One illustration by the latter, yát as the raison d’être of Sut- mathematics. As with other oured of Hafez, and Voltaire in fact, later came to grace cliffe and Sangorski’s bound Iranian polymaths like Ibn Sa’di, the Victorian poet Ed- the Grateful Dead’s self-titled marvel. But why? How could Sina (Avicenna), Khayyám ward FitzGerald found a kin- 1971 album. the words of an 11th-Century was also a poet. That said, his dred Iranian spirit in Khayyám, Elsewhere, the ac- polymath have any relevance poetry was unlike that of any ‘The Old Tentmaker’. claimed short story writer not only in the Victorian era other Persian poet before him, When he turned his at- Hector Hugh Munro chose and the mid-20th Century, but and he has occupied, for centu- tention to Khayyám, he had the nom de plume ‘Saki’ (the also today? ries, a place wholly unique in already translated from the title Khayyám used to ad- The answer lies in the the grand corpus of classical Persian Jami’s Salaman and dress his cupbearer), while timelessness of the Rubáiyát, Persian literature. Absal, as well as an abridged Agatha Christie’s 1942 novel and its universal truths that He well understood the version of Attar’s Conference The Moving Finger had a Fitz know not culture, religion, transience of life and the in- of the Birds. Omar poem as its namesake. or creed. Indeed, in today’s evitability of death, and the It was the Rubáiyát, That’s not to mention the 1957 uncertain times, the Rubáiyát importance of seizing the all- however, that was to prove Hollywood film made about may be even more relevant too-brief moment we are allot- his magnum opus. Although Khayyám, US actor Alfred than during the tumultuous ted on earth not exactly a translation of Drake’s 1960 recitation of times in which it was origi- Owing to his inquisitive the original Persian poems, the entire Rubáiyát, and Mar- nally written. What would the nature, Khayyám questioned Fitzgerald’s very loose in- tin Luther King’s quotation of author of the most luxurious things most around him took terpretation captured, to no him in a 1967 anti-war speech book of poetry ever made have for granted: faith, the hereafter, small degree, the spirit of the (he beat Bill Clinton to it by a to say about our mad, mad and the meaning of life itself. Rubáiyát and the poet’s Welt- few decades), amongst many world, were he around today? He had little confidence in the Perhaps, to quote the sage: promises of religion, with its talk of Heaven and Hell, and How swiftly does this caravan even expressed doubts regard- of life pass; ing the logic of God. There Seek thou the moment that with was only one thing Khayyám joy does lapse. was certain about, and which Saghi, why lament tomorrow’s he cherished: this life. misfortunes today? He well understood – per- Bring forth the chalice, for the haps owing to the turbulent night shall pass. times during which he lived (Iran, then under Turkic oc- All poetry translations by cupation, had recently been the author.
Spring 2018 23 T H E A R T S & C U L T U R E
Home made Nān-e tāftūn (taftān) Traditional Iranian baking oven in Dargaz The Nān-e Sangak The Nān-e Barbari A SHORT HISTORY OF THE IRANIAN NĀN (BREAD)
HÉLÈNE DESMET-GRÉGOIRE Encyclopedia Iranica on December 15, 1989 The Persian term for the Sasanian inscriptions of the is found in the inscription of tion from commercially baked Bread is nān (for etymology, 3rd-4th centuries and in the 9th- Šāpūr Sakānšāh at Persepolis wheat bread (Bazin and Bromberg- see Bailey, Dictionary, p. 179, s.v. century Pahlavi texts. Šāpūr I from the reign of Šāpūr II (Back, er, p. 79). Rice bread is generally nāṃji). In modern Iran bread is (a.d. 240-70) ordered that one p. 493), in Manichean texts (see baked on a metal tray (sāj) or the dietary staple food for the lamb, one grīw and five hōfan Boyce, Reader, p. 44 text n 1; Sun- on the bottom of an inverted population and accounts, on the of bread, and four pās of wine dermann, p. 497), and in Pahlavi. pottery bowl placed on a tripod. average, for 70 percent of the should be sacrificed daily at the For instance, in the Bundahišn Among certain groups of pas- daily caloric intake. fire temples for his own soul, it is said regarding the resurrec- toral nomads (e.g., Baḵtīārī and In the Iranian languages the souls of the close family, tion and the “final body” that Boir-Aḥmad) varying propor- the words for “bread” inherited and the members of his court just as Mašyē and Mašyānē, tions of acorn flour (balūṭ) are from old Iranian seem to reflect (Back, pp. 337, 344, 367); bread when they grew up from the occasionally mixed with wheat two different early methods of was also given the souls of the earth, first drank water and then flour, especially during periods baking (Harmatta). Harmatta righteous to eat in paradise gradually added food, milk, and of famine. The bread made this suggests that the practice of (inscriptions of Kirdēr, ed. Back, p. so on to their diet, men, when way is called kalg (Digard, pp. baking bread “covered,” that is, 468). In the Draxt āsōrīg (The they die, will reverse the pro- 191-92). in ashes, is reflected in the word Babylonian tree), a poem about cess, ceasing first to eat meat, Several types of bread can naγan, found especially in the a contest between a date palm then to drink milk, and then to be distinguished, depending eastern Iranian languages (Sog- and a goat over precedence eat at all (nān xwardan-iz) and on whether they are produced dian, Baluchi, Pashto, etc.) and (see, e.g., Boyce, “Middle Persian will end by drinking only water. commercially or domestically Armenian nkan, a loanword Literature,” p. 55), the date palm In modern Iran bread is and, particularly, on the bak- from Iranian (Parthian), which maintains that those who do not the dietary staple food for the ing method: oven or tray. In the must be derived from Old Ira- have wine and bread can satiate population and accounts, on the towns the quality of the flour nian *nikana– (lit., that which themselves with dates instead average, for 70% of the daily seems to be a determining el- is buried or covered), as well (ed. Nawwābī, pp. 52-53). In the caloric intake. Several studies ement in distinguishing types as in the form *bakand found Bundahišn we are told that gar- conducted in rural and urban of bread. Such distinctions in Choresmian, probably from den herbs such as rue, parsley, environments have shown vari- are more vague in rural areas, Old Iranian *upakanta– “cov- coriander, and leek are suitable ations in the proportion of pro- where the flour is often ground ered, buried” (for the Choresmian for eating with bread (TD2, p. teins supplied by bread, from without sifting and, thus, gener- forms, see Benzing, pp. 170f. s.vv. 117.14; tr. Anklesaria, 16.17, pp. 148- 60% among farmers to 34% ally has a high percentage of bkn– “to fill,” bknd “bread,” p. 521 49). In the Ardā Wirāz-nāmag among landowners (Bahadori extraction (90-95%). s.v. pknd). On the other hand, the it is said that those who throw and Klodian; Olszyna-Marzys; Similar baking techniques practice of baking bread “un- bread to dogs will themselves Hedayat and Sen Gupta). are used throughout the country covered,” in an oven, seems be torn by devils looking like In most of Iran bread con- (Wulff, pp. 292-95), and utensils to be reflected in the com- dogs (Gignoux, pp. 94, 188), and sists of flat, thin cakes made and ovens are perfectly adapted mon Persian word nān (Mid., finally Ahriman himself taunts from wheat flour. Only in the to the type of bread produced. NPers., and western Iranian di- the evil that they accomplished Caspian provinces is there The most common kind of oven alects), probably derived from his works though they ate the a different tradition, baking (tanūr), used both in bakeries Old Iranian *naγna– “naked.” bread of Ohrmazd (Gignoux, pp. bread from rice flour, nān-e and village houses, where it Modern Iranian languages and 136, 214). berenjī, already mentioned by constitutes one of the built-in dialects possess a large vari- In both Middle and New medieval writers (Ebn Ḥawqal, p. features (Bromberger, 1974, p. 34; ety of names for “bread,” both Persian the expression nān 381, tr. Kramers, p. 371; Moqaddasī, Martin, p. 28; Desmet-Grégoire; inherited from earlier Iranian xwardan/ḵᵛordan also signi- p. 354; Ebn Esfandīār, p. 76; see Bazin and Bromberger, p. 81), is a languages and borrowed. fies “to eat, have a meal” in berenj); this type is, however, truncated cone made from dried Bread is mentioned in both general. In Middle Persian it meeting increasing competi- or baked earth, with or without
24 No. 89 T H E A R T S & C U L T U R E a flue, standing on the floor or covered with cotton, by means served with āb-gūšt: it is is also made in the villages; sunk below it. The fire is in the of which he can press them usually torn in pieces (tarīd, the dough, made from a flour bottom, so that bread may be against the oven walls without telīd), soaked in the āb-gūšt, with high rates of extraction, pressed against the inner walls burning his hands. After baking and eaten with a spoon as an salt, water, and leaven, is left for baking. Among pastoral no- for a minute or so, the bread integral part of the dish. It is to stand for a rather long time, mads, on the other hand, after is picked off the oven wall also the bread that usually ac- or else it rises during baking. the dough has been kneaded by an assistant (nānvāssūn, companies gūšt-e kūbīda, the A single cook can flatten the in a metal pan (mazama, ma- i.e., nān-vā-estān) who uses solid ingredients of āb-gūšt pieces of dough by hand and jama), which is used because a skewer or double-pronged mashed and eaten separately press several at a time against of its firmness, it is transferred fork (nāṇčīn, sīḵ, došāḵa) with from the liquid. the oven walls with a cushion; to a tray or an iron baking sheet a wooden handle. To make Nān-e barbarī (named af- baking time is about 30 min- (sāj) placed over the fire, for especially crisp bread (nān-e ter a “Barbar” community that utes. The name of this bread baking. Many pastoral nomads, berešta, nān-e dandaʾī) bakers settled south of Tehran during varies from region to region: such as in the regions of Ṭāleš, often make holes in the bread the Qajar period; see Dehḵodā It is called gerda around Gāleš and Šāhsevan (Bazin and with a kind of comb (danda s.v.) is a flat, oval bread 3 to Hamadān, panjakeš around Bromberger, p. 80), also use a zadan) just before placing it in 4 cm thick and about 70 cm Ṭāleš, kūlas or kūlūs east of more rudimentary technique: the oven. Lavāš, no more than long; it is made from pieces the Safīdrūd. It is a tasty bread the raw dough is baked on 2 or 3 mm thick, is the thinnest of leavened dough weigh- made for special occasions, or ashes (nān-e ātaš) or pressed bread found in Iran. ing about 900 grams each. when little time is available, against a hot stone. Nān-e sangak is a flat, The flour used has a rate of for example when the women In urban settings, where thin bread 3 to 5 mm thick and extraction of 70 to 75 %, and take part in the agricultural most of the bread is purchased about 70 cm long; the leavened nān-e barbarī thus resembles activities in summer (Desmet- from bakeries equipped with a dough is made from especially European breads, though it is Grégoire, pp. 271-73). Compared tanūr, four main types of bread milled flour. It is baked in an baked by the same method as to the bread more common in are found: tāftūn (taftān), lavāš oven (tanūr-e sangakī, kūra) nān-e sangak. It is more ex- villages or the bread specific to (nān-e tīrī), nān-e sangak, and consisting of a sloping brick pensive than other breads but, pastoral nomads, it seems to be nān-e barbarī. The first two shelf covered with red-hot where available, is commonly an intermediate type of bread, types are very similar, differen- pebbles (sangak, hence the eaten for breakfast (often with which can be baked, for ten tiated only by the types of flour name), which leave their im- cheese) by those who can af- minutes, either on a tray (Di- used and the relative thickness prints on the bread, and tradi- ford it. gard, pp. 190-91) or in a tanūr. It of a slab. Tāftūn, probably the tionally heated by dry shrubs In rural areas, where bread keeps for no more than a day or most popular bread in Iran, is (ḵār) or firewood (hīzom). In is made at home, the making two and thus is usually made made from a mixture of white recent years oil has become of bread is a strictly womanly every day. and whole-wheat flours, lavāš the major fuel used by urban task, and the frequency of bak- Aside from breads baked (very similar to tāftūn) from bakers. ing (daily, weekly, etc.) varies for normal consumption, white flour forming a more or At least two men, the according to the seasonal ac- there are special kinds for the less leavened dough. In the bak- ḵamīrgīr and šāṭer, are re- tivities. Lavāš seems the most holidays; because the dough eries, after flour, water, and salt quired to make sangak. The common. Since the primary is enriched with milk, sugar, have been poured together in a šāṭer stands in front of the ingredient (wheat) and the honey, eggs, shortening, or trough (ṭaḡār, taštak) and leav- oven and flattens the dough method of preparation are not yogurt these breads (nān-e ening (ḵamīr-māya, āb-e torš, by hand on a slightly convex standardized, the product can šīrī, faṭīr, nān-e šīrīn, nān-e ājī ḵamīra) has been added (for wooden slab (sarak) attached vary in thickness and in the šīrmāl) are actually closer to lavāš), the dough is kneaded to a very long wooden handle amount of leavening added. It pastry. Bread of European type (varz dādan) by the dough (pārū); he then quickly thrusts can be kept for several weeks (nān-e tōst, nān-e māšīnī) can maker (ḵamīrgīr, ḵalīfa) and the sarak into the oven, slid- wrapped in a napkin (sofra) also be found in Tehran and an assistant (vardast), who usu- ing the dough onto the pebbles. and placed in a basket (sabad) other large cities (Olszyna-Mar- ally does most of the work; it is After a couple of minutes the or in a cupboard of dried earth zys: Tual, p. 10). then left to rise (var āmadan). šāṭer or the nūnvāssūn (also (nāndān); for that reason A dough insufficiently kneaded called ātašandāz) removes it it is very common in west- or baked prematurely gives a with a skewer or double-prong ern Iran, especially in kind of tough bread called fork. The sarak rests in a cleft winter, when daily baking nān-e čeḡer. When the dough stick, which permits the šāṭer is difficult and the bread is ready one person (čānagīr) to slide it back and forth more keeps longer because of rolls out pieces (čāna) with a easily; the broad end is set on the cold. rolling pin (vardana, čūba) on a ledge next to the oven while The Nān-e Lavāš a board of wooden strips (ḵūna) the dough is being applied. sold in a market in Ye- or an inverted pottery basin, Nān-e sangak, often revan, Armenia (Source: while another (šāṭer) places sprinkled with poppy seeds Wiquijote in Public Do- the rolled pieces on a cushion (ḵašḵāš) or black caraway main). Shopkeepers at a bread outlet in a (nānband, nāvand, bāleštak, seeds (sīāhdāna; Nigella sa- Another kind of Tehran street in the early 20th century rafīda) stuffed with straw and tiva), is the bread commonly bread, thicker than lavāš, (Source: Poolnews.ir).
Spring 2018 25 T H E A R T S & C U L T U R E I Am American I Am Proud friendships; I Am American am proud that they taught me to treat I Am American am proud to come from three im- I people as I want to be treated; I Am American I migrant grandparents; am proud that they taught me to judge I Am American am proud and moved by the stories of I one by their acts not their appearance; I Am American I their struggles to come to the United am proud that they taught me to ac- States; I cept that we could only afford the am humbled by the obstacles they $5.00 sneaker and to wear them proudly, am black, white, yellow, brown and I overcame to make a new home; to be humble and kind; I red; am proud that they struggled to learn am proud that they taught me to save am a Democrat, Republican or In- I English in order to find a job; I for my future; I dependent; am proud of the long hours they am proud that though they never fin- am an immigrant or natural born citi- I worked to make ends meet; I ished high school, that they wanted I zen and though I too have felt the am proud that they did not look for a better for me; pain of discrimination it has not been as I free hand out rather then work; am proud that our leadership under- severe as others. Discrimination I fear am proud that they instilled in my I stood that hard working citizens may is a hateful characteristic of the human I parents the same work and moral fall on hard times and developed social race, one we unfortunately share. I hope, ethic; programs to assist them through it. however, that when we see a genuine act am proud that my parents have in- of discrimination occurring, we remem- I stilled that in me; I Am an American, ber how we felt as the victim and find a am proud that diversity was not But I Am Disappointed peaceful and logical way to end it; I something they were forced to do but am Christian, Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, rather something that just came naturally; am disappointed some stay on so- I Agnostic, Atheist; am proud that my grandparents and I cial programs for the wrong reasons, enjoy all kinds of food, music, culture I parents shared friendships with those leaving less for the real needy; I and holiday traditions; different than I in race, ethnicity, religion, am disappointed that politicians can- ut as an American I mostly enjoy the and political view, in other words we I not get these programs in order and Btraditions of the fourth of July, apple didn’t see a difference and I am proud cast out those undeserving, rather than pie, hot dogs and Chevrolet; for how much I learned through their create more putting this country into fur-
26 No. 89 T H E A R T S & C U L T U R E ther financial peril ; not born here has an “opt out” country hope that journalists and politicians am disappointed that some find hav- during hard times and war; I listen to what they say and realize I ing a second job to better their family am disappointed that a sports skill is and how their constituency expects to is less important than a social event; I more important than an education; put them before the party they represent; am disappointed that we say we re- am disappointed that a win in sports hope we truly begin to understand I spect life yet do little to show it after I is so important that talented Ameri- I the financial peril this country is in; it begins; can athletes are replaced with non citi- hope that I do not see a civil war am disappointed that some do not un- zens with a higher skill; I in this country when the solution I derstand the value of having children ; am disappointed that the win of a to most of our problems is through us- am disappointed by those who by I game is more important than integrity; ing and understanding the meaning of I choice come to my country and am disappointed with the ban placed the words tolerance , ethics, hard work, expect; I on a number of countries, because education, family values (regardless of am disappointed by those who think it is the innocent citizens who are hurt; sexual choice) most of which do not need I I should change my traditions and money to make a difference; customs for them because they are of- I Am an American and hope that WE THE PEOPLE learn fended rather than introduce theirs to my I Hope I and understand that we cannot allow traditions; anything to divide us as citizens; am disappointed that we do not fully hope that we will erase the word mi- hen this happens we become de- I embrace and make welcome those I nority from our lives; Wfenders of political systems rather who genuinely want to become and live than defenders of our Constitution; the American dream emotionally and fi- hope that we realize that the there will hope that we learn that we cannot al- nancially; I always be those who have and those I ways get what we want, but through am disappointed by those who are not who don’t and not to allow ourselves to compromise we can find a new wholeness; I willing to immerse themselves into be bitter over it; hope that we all learn to respect each learning English rather than expecting hope that we see that what is best for I other --- something that I have found we provide an interpreter; I the country does not always mean over the past decade that we have lost; am disappointed by those who have you agree with it; nd I hope that while we have the I not struggled or suffered at the hope we realize that only through Aright to disagree with a President hands of discrimination in our history, I hard work and fiscal responsibility, that we will listen and try to understand expect to reap the same benefits without is our path to success, not our clothes, what the President (any president) is say- contribution; the house we live in , the car we drive; ing, rather than allowing the media to am disappointed by those who don’t hope we learn to blame ourselves when interpret it for us; I appreciate what it means to hold an I we falter instead of someone else; hope that we learn to understand that American passport; hope we learn to love; I a perfect orator is not always the best am disappointed by those who don’t I leader and the imperfect orator is not I understand that we are not perfect ; hope that, while we have the right always the worse; am disappointed by those, who vol- I to protest against everything in this hope we understand that a president I untary came here and then cheer for country, that we do so without invading I will not always be able to deliver the country of their birth rather than the the rights of another or taking the life on the promise but by not supporting a team representing the stars and stripes; I of another; president elected from any political party am disappointed by the politicians who put hope that celebrities and athletes do will not benefit anyone. It will only fuel forth policy and platforms and use race, I not use entertainment venues as a those who wish to divide us as a people, religion and ethnicity for political gain, political platform. I go to these events as a nation, as a friend and as a neighbor; caring little for them after the election; to escape the madness; hope tonight you will pray for this am disappointed by people who try hope we remain globally kind, but I flag, pray for this nation, pray for I to categorize us by age, gender, reli- I understand that our fellow citizens those who died, will die or were injured gion, ethnicity, language; young and old should be the first receiv- defending it , pray for our citizens who am disappointed that in order to run ers; are suffering and pray that our President I for president of this country home hope we understand that sometimes (whoever it may be at the time) will guide aviable chance of winning, you have to I donating your time and lending us through all these storms. Continue to be a multi millionaire; a helping hand is more valuable than protest against unfairness but do so in a am disappointed in the amount of money manner that is meaningful and reasonable. I money raised for political campaigns, hope that we always take pride in nd to all of my future Presidents, I money that could be well spent on other I ourselves and our neighborhoods; Ahope that you will continue to stand things to benefit he citizens; up to those who seek to harm us internally am disappointed that citizenship in the hope we respect the neighborhood or externally , and while I hope that you I United States is so easily attainable I we live in and not litter, if one can can accomplish this with grace and stat- causing its importance to be diluted; disrespect the ground God has given us ure, in the end do whatever it takes to am disappointed that we allow dual to live in, then disrespecting everything defend our honor and our people against I citizenship. Is it fair that someone else is easy; those who seek to harm us. Spring 2018 27 T H E A R T S & C U L T U R E In the Memory of the more ominous influence of the Soviets and history? on our youths. Dr. Mahvash Amir-Mokri At age seven, I was registered at Fer- Following the revolution, for me, like dowsi primary school on avenue Takht- many other Iranians a disturbing ques- Jamshid. tion remained unanswered” that question The school was quite close to our was: how did a country with such a rich house. I could walk to school and was able culture and history regress and deteriorate to hear the school bells from our house. To so quickly – culturally, socially and I start- me this school was like a shrine…. ed studying Persian history and culture. Following success at the entrance Meanwhile I decided to study Western examination, I entered medical school at culture and English literature by enroll- Tehran University. In my last school year, ing in Rosary College (now Dominican I married Dr. Ebrahim Amir-Mokri and at University). At this time, my children were the conclusion of my internship, we came students at the University of Chicago and to the United States with our son Cyrus, this gave me access to the library of that university with a huge inventory of books Recently, we lost a valuable Iranian asset, Dr. then four months old. about Persian history, literature and cul- Mavash Amir-Mokri, who was a dear friend to my Why didn’t you pursue ture…. family and Persian Heritage. She was as devoted studies in the United States to to her role as mother and wife as she was to her specialize? Tell us about your book, profession as a physician. Nothing came between Norooz, and the motivation in what Mahvash considered a goal. While my husband was continuing writing it. In 2006, Persian Heritage interviewed her for his education, I felt the need of my chil- our Spring issue. We received such positive feedback dren to have their mother at their side. This After returning to the United States, I from our readers that we decided to reprint parts of feeling was so overwhelming that I was soon realized that Iranians were more ea- it in this issue. We will miss her desperately but she unable to leave the care of my children ger than the past to celebrate NoeRooz….. will forever remain in our hearts. to a stranger. I have never regretted my I participated in some Norooz celebrations decision. Five years later, when we went and in a short lime realized the fact that I Please tell us about your back to Iran, five-year-old Cyrus spoke knew very little about the origin and his- childhood, primary and Persian as well as English; as. you know tory of this celebration. … secondary schools, and your this is not the case for the vast majority of At times the information floating studies at the University. Iranian parents raising their children in the around was wrong or misleading like the United States. Mina, who was two years name of Haftseen (seven “s”) being called I was born in Ardebil on February 7, old, spoke mostly Persian. Haftseen or even Haftseen. At this time, 1939, a few months after the start of World there was activity among Iranians in Illi- War II. At that time my father, a physician, Tell us about your life when nois to have Norooz officially recognized was serving his obligatory mission in that you returned to Iran. as an Iranian holiday. I was asked to write province. A few months after my birth, an article about this celebration and its our family returned to Tehran and settled Upon our return to Iran, my children importance for Iranians. With the efforts of in the north west of Tehran, at the time a were older and I had the luxury of having Mr. Normandi, this booklet was published developing neighborhood around Tehran my dear mother to look after them, so I in English and Persian. This was followed University. During the war, even as a child decided to continue with my education. I by the official declaration of Norooz as I could feel the effects of war. always liked the social and public health an Iranian holiday by the governor of the Many days I watched the Indian sol- aspects of medicine; therefore, I entered State of Illinois….. diers passing by. Occasionally American the School of Public Health at Tehran Uni- military, while I was walking the streets versity and after graduation took a position What is your wish for Iran with my parents they lifted me up into in the Planned Parenthood section of the and Iranians in the future? the air and with kindness gave me some Ministry of Health…. candy. Older children of our neighborhood What I regarded as an unhealthy work Freedom, because only with freedom were getting small packages of dates from atmosphere in the ministry prompted my based on their great historical and cultural the Indian military. People had to stand in resignation. Because of my husband ‘s heritage can they achieve the social and long lines for bread. People were worried very success full practice in pathology and cultural progress that they deserve. and unhappy about the war, occupation of laboratory medicine, I decided to follow the country and escalating prices. I might that line of study to be of some help to Do you have any message have been about three or four years old, him. By the time I finished my residency, for young Iranians living in when, one day coming back home with my the revolution had started, our children Iran and abroad? mother, I heard a huge explosion caused were abroad and we had to join them in by an improvised device that killed our the United States. Work hard, increase your knowledge neighbor’s twenty-one-year-old son. This and do well in any field you have chosen. type of event was not only painful for the What made you interested in Never forget your cultural and his- community but seemed to be indicative of studies in Persian culture torical heritage and never lose hope.
Spring 2018 29 T H E A R T S & C U L T U R E JAHANGIR AMOUZEGAR UNCOVERED ‘GIRL FROM ENGHELAB STREET’ DIES AT 98 A Tribute to the Memory of All Loved Ones
The Train Of Life
At birth we boarded the train and met our parents, And we believe they will always travel on our side. However, at some station Our parents will step down from the train, Leaving us on this journey alone.
As time goes by, Other people will board the train; Iranians appear to have taken inspira- And they will be significant Jahangir Amouzegar (January 13, tion from a woman who landed in jail late I.e. Our siblings, friends, children, last month for a peaceful protest against 1920 – January 17, 2018) was an Iranian And even the love of your life. Iran’s strict Islamic dress code, echo- economist, academic and politician. ing frustration at official restrictions on An economist by training, Amouze- women’s appearance in public. A number gar served as Minister of Commerce and Many will step down of women have ditched their head scarves Minister of Finance of Iran from 26 May And leave a permanent vacuum. around the country since 31-year-old Vida 1962 until 19 July 1962. He also acted Movahedi’s daring but silent plea for as an executive director of the Interna- Others will go so unnoticed greater freedom for tens of millions of tional Monetary Fund. That we don’t realize women in Iran. Amouzegar held a bachelor’s de- They vacated their seats. Movahedi became a symbol of defi- gree in economics from Tehran Univer- ance after she stood on a metal utilities sity. He pursued his studies and eventu- box on a busy street in the Iranian capital ally got a doctorate from UCLA. This train ride will be full of joy, a month ago and silently waved a white His brother, Jamshid Amouzegar, Sorrow, fantasy, expectations, scarf from a stick to challenge the obli- was a Prime Minister of Iran during the gation since Iran’s 1979 revolution for Hellos, goodbyes, and farewells. Shah’s reign. He died on 17, January women to wear head scarves. She was 2018 in the United States, 4 days after Success consists of having a good relationship dubbed “the girl from Enghelab Street”. his 98th birthday. With all passengers Now Iranians on social media prais- ing the protesters claim “the girl from He has three books that have been Requiring that we give the best of ourselves. published: “Managing the Oil Wealth: Enghelab Street” has proliferated, and Opec’s Windfalls and Pitfalls”, “The The mystery to everyone is: photos testifying to a budding headache Dynamics of the Iranian Revolution: We do not know at which station for Iranian authorities emerged one after the other on social media on January 29. The Pahlavis’ Triumph and Tragedy” We ourselves will step down. They show at least nine other women and “The Islamic Republic of Iran: Re- posing in similar fashion in Tehran and the flections on an Emerging Economy.” So, we must live in the best way, central Iranian city of Isfahan. One has re- portedly been detained by the authorities, Love, forgive, and offer the best of who we are. while the fates of the others are unclear. Advertise It is important to do this Iran’s clerically dominated authori- Because when the time comes for us to step down ties insist that women, even foreign visi- tors, must cover their head and hair in Your Business in And leave our seats empty public with a scarf, known as the hijab. We should leave behind beautiful memories In the photos, the women’s heads are For those who will continue to travel uncovered as they stand on utility boxes Persian Heritage or other objects on the streets of Tehran on the train of life. with scarves held up on sticks. (973) 471-4283 I wish you a joyful journey on the train of life. One woman who was said to have persian-heritage.com Reap success and give lots of love. been arrested and was identified as Nar- guess Hosseini, stood at the same spot as Movahedi.
30 No. 89 T H E A R T S & C U L T U R E An Interview with FERRIS REZVANI
CAR DESIGNER
Persian Heritage
Thank you for granting this interview to Persian Heritage, we are delighted to share your story with our readers. Let’s start with where you were born and your family background.
Thank you for this opportunity. I was born in Iran. My dad was an F4 Phantom fighter pilot. So, I grew up surrounded by air force fighter plans and culture. My family immigrated to the US in 1984 when I was 9 years old. Initially we settled down in Madison, Wisconsin.
Where did you begin your interest in cars and fighter aircraft?
As I stated since my father was a fighter pilot being sur- taken control over me. Our designs became very popular and rounded by this sparked my interest. As to cars I fell in love with well received. Fortunately, we received orders and continued to car design at a very young age. perfect our target market. While I didn’t plan on becoming an entrepreneur, it just simply happened once I began design and When did you leave Wisconsin? creation of vehicles. In order to make this my living I knew I would have to work and market hard in order to create sales. We moved to California in 1987 so my father could start To be honest with you the finance and accounting to me businesses. His career as a pilot however, remained a great influ- are the most boring parts of a business and I don’t like spending ence on me. I wanted to be a fighter pilot like him, but various time on it. health limitations prevented that dream. I defaulted to my interest in car designs. All my books while growing up were about mili- Having said that the automotive industry and aero- tary aircraft, tanks and cars. After I graduated college, I entered space are the two most capital intensive industries into a career in Software but I got bored very quickly. After some on earth. To do so requires a careful approach to thought I decided to start a car company and create the same high building. speed thrill of flying on the ground. Is it correct to say then that since they are the most capital intensive that regulations make going for- Entering into car design and production is not easy. ward difficult?
No but I am fearless when it comes to doing something. I Yes. There are also worldwide regulations on road legal work very hard and always find a way. status and emissions compliance. So, there are lots of barriers.
Are there any other individuals who inspired you How then did you become successful or rather make and car designs? it work?
Yes, definitely my biggest inspirations have been suc- I started the company with $5,000 and now three years later cessful people who have not given in such as Elon Musk, we have our 3rd model. How we got to this position was via a lot who I have a lot of respect for. I also believe in partnerships of hard work. But, I believe when you love something it doesn’t with other companies and brands and I am good in bringing feel like work. We work seven days a week and love every minute people together. I love the story of the small company who is of it. It just doesn’t feel like work and we also remind ourselves willing to think outside the box and take on the big players. that we are competing with billion dollar companies that have In my case I wanted to bring beautiful and exotic designs to life, unlimited funds! cars that people can drive every day. We, the little guys, are setting trends and doing what it takes bigger companies millions of dollars to do. I am proud of what Tell us about the first design. we’ve achieved with such little capital.
We started with the BEAST and frankly the BEAST has To date what are your sales statistics?
Spring 2018 31 T H E A R T S & C U L T U R E We have sold six BEAST models, four BEAST ALPHA Models and have four TANK cars currently on order. We con- A STUDENT OF IRAN, sidered the BEAST to be the sexy car but it had a very limited NOW THE DIRECTOR OF THE AMERICAN audience because it lacked doors and was track focused. BEAST ANTI-CANCER INSTITUTE ALPHA was a road going car with a broader appeal. TANK is Forbes’s website reported on the new Hummer. it’s designed to be that tough, rough, military a successful Iranian woman who style SUV. While there are many companies that perform engine came to the United States with a upgrades or bumper kits, we focus on creating all new unique student visa a bit late, but is now cars that are out of the ordinary. We like to create new designs. the director of an anti-cancer drug firm with a budget of $20 million. What makes your cars and vehicles unique? Nazli Azimi, 48, came to the United States with a student The design and exclusivity which provide a pure driving visa after the Islamic Revolution, experience. Today’s sports cars have become increasingly isolat- whose father was an army officer ing in their feel. None of the exotics like Ferrari, Lamborghini and lived in secret, in Iran after and Maclaren provide manual transmissions anymore. They only the revolution. Due to problems in Iran, Nazli took visas provide automatics further isolating the driving experience. The from the US Embassy in Turkey to study medicine at the BEAST and BEAST ALPHA provide that race car experience University of Maryland. Her brothers live in Iran. on the road. Nazli Azimi then worked for some time at the National Institutes of Health in the United States, known as NIH.and How difficult are these machines to manufacture? is now the Managing Director of Biosynthesis Therapy, an active company in the development of anticancer drugs and It is their complexity on a small scale and in low volume immune system diseases. The company has a budget of $20 that is the most difficult aspect. In order to make it successful. million and is based in Irvine, California. Though I am the CEO, I am also the janitor. I wear many hats Nazli Azimi already had a skin care center in 2010 and from marketing, to finance, to strategy to design, to manufactur- started the business of Bayoniz, which now has 13 employ- ing to customer relationships; sometimes it can be overwhelming ees. Nazli Azimi says it needs at least $ 300 million before to have so many balls simultaneously in the air. We are a young selling and selling drugs for sale. . company and I have my name on it. Having your name on a com- pany makes you want to be sure of its success. Rezvani represents a brand that is focused on design and uniqueness. My name is on it therefore it’s my reputation and I have to ensure it is successful.
What does the future hold?
In the next few years we’ll be focusing on perfecting our models, lowering manufacturing costs and building mod- els that are driven by passion and that large companies won’t build. We will be coming out with a little brother of the TANK.
What words can you leave for our readers seeking to be successful in business?
As an immigrant, I faced adversity. But it’s that experience of overcoming adversity that showed me and will show that, one can do anything. I like taking the best of all cultures around the world.
32 No. 89